Gleanings From Text
John 6:1–21
These stories in John of Jesus feeding the multitude and walking on water are also accounts that take place in all of the Synoptic Gospels. Each Gospel captures the events in the same order, with the feeding first and then the walking on water.
In the literary framework of John, we find the author splitting the book into two repeating sections. The first section starts in Chp. 2 with the Miracle at Cana (2:1-11). The second section begins at the start of Chp. 6 with the feeding and walking on water. In Chp. 2 Jesus transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary by turning water to wine, thus showing his glory, and at the same time reveals who he is to his disciples. We find similar happenings in Chp. 6. Jesus turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary by feeding so many with only 5 loaves and 2 fish (1-15). When Jesus walks out on the water to comfort the disciples he shows his glory and reveals who he is to his disciples (16-21).
Food For Thought
In this text we see an interplay taking place between Jesus’ grace and his glory. Jesus shows grace to the crowd by providing for their physical need and personally handing out the blessed food. This gift of grace becomes the vehicle for the revelation of Jesus’ glory. At this moment, Jesus is not trying to display his glory, and so when the crowd tries to twist the situation to serve their own purposes and make him king, Jesus retreats into the hills alone. In the next section the reverse happens. This time the revelation of Jesus’ glory becomes the vehicle for his gift of grace. His glory is not revealed for power alone, but for grace-filled pastoral care. Although Jesus will not allow his grace to be controlled by those seeking his power, he also will not hold back his glory from those in need. It is very important that grace and glory be held in balance.
Sink Your Teeth Into This
During occasions when I have been fortunate enough to serve on a mission team, I have noticed a common occurrence. Most of the trips have taken place in third world countries or poorer parts of the United States. As our team arrives to bring aid to those in need, either through work teams, VBS, or other service projects, we begin to be looked at as the healers and saviors of the people we have come to minister to. Although we come in the name of Christ to serve others in love, I sometimes get the sense that we are seen as Christ, instead of Christ’s disciples.
As we are given glory and praise for the grace we bring, it is easy to begin to think that we have done something original and marvelous on our own, ignoring the fact that we are simply doing what Christ has called us to do. Throughout the trip I have to constantly remind myself that the purpose is not to make me feel better about myself. I do not think it is wrong for me to realize that I have done something good, but if the only reason I am on the trip is to lift myself up, then my heart is in the wrong place. I relate with Jesus in this text and feel the need to get away when grace turns into unwanted glory. The difference is I must step aside because I am not worthy to receive the glory. In fact, it is by Christ’s grace that we are given the privilege to serve.
Biographical Information
Luke Schlimme has completed his first year of the dual degree MACE/MSW program in Richmond, VA. Originally from Raleigh, NC, he has also enjoyed the transition to Richmond. He enjoyed his first year at Union-PSCE and is looking forward to starting the MSW program at VCU in the fall.
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