4 Now the Passover, a Jewish festival, was near. 5 Therefore, when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so these people can eat?” 6 He asked this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do." (John 6:4-6)
I spent the last few weeks revisiting John Six. I primarily focused on the first few verses. Jesus asked Phillip a question about where to buy bread to feed all the people with them. Phillip made note of the money available and the inability to feed so many people with it.
"7 Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little.” (John 6:7)
The intriguing and revelatory part about the exchange is that Jesus asked Phillip this question to test him. The Word of God says He knew what He would do already.
I started thinking about this test and the test that the Scriptures testify of God giving His people. One thing we know for sure based on James 1:13 is that God does not tempt people to sin. These test are test of faith. I thought about Abraham and the test of offering Issac as a burnt offering.
Abraham passed this test. He had the sure promises confirmed through Issac's birth after much patience and perseverance. The history that Abraham experienced with God taught him that God is able to do the impossible and if He promised something, He will fulfill it.
I love that Hebrews 11:19 tells us that Abraham reasoned that God was able to bring the dead back to life. He didn't doubt God's promise that Issac would be the son who future generations came through. He didn't disobey God's instruction to offer Issac as a burnt offering. He walked forward in the faith that had been built over the course of his journey with God. (Genesis 22:1-19)
Interestingly enough both of these test ultimately point to God's provision. Abraham named the place The LORD Will Provide. Hallelujah. Jesus asked where can we buy bread to feed these people, then showed the truth of "those who have no money come and buy..." (Isaiah 55). Check out He Will Give You Living Water for reflection on Isaiah 55.
The LORD will provide.