International S. S. Lessons Exposition and Practical Application By R. A. Torrey Outlines and Suggestive Points By T. C. Horton
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
MARCH 4, 1917. LESSON IX. G olden T ext : “Give us this day
John 6:1-14. (Study 1-21. Memorize vs.' 10, 11.) our daily bread.”—Matt. 6:11.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS Mon., Feb. 26—John 6 :1-14. (The Lesson.)
Tues., Feb. 27—John 6:15-21. Wed., FeJ). 28—Mark 6:30-44. Thur., March 1—Matt. 15:32-39. Fri., March 2—1 Kings 17:8-18. Sat., March 3—Psalm 34:1-10. Sun., March 4—Psalm 34:11-22.
EXPOSITION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
vs. 1, 2. A fte r these things Jesus went over (away to the other side of) the sea o f Galilee, which is the sea o f Tiberias; (.) A nd a great multitude followed Him, because they saw H is miracles (beheld the signs) which He did on them that were diseased (sick).” Jesus, wearied in body and bereaved in heart (cf. Matt. 14:12, 13), had made a long journey to an unfre quented spot to be alone with His disciples for much needed rest and quiet, but He did not get the rest or quiet He sought and so sorely needed. He who loved solitude lived continually in a crowd (Matt. 4:24, 25; 8:1- 12:15,: 13 j 2; 14:14> 15:30, 31). There is nothing more wearisome than a crowd, unless one is very full of love. When we grow so tired of the crowd let us remem ber how the Master’s life was spent. It was the incessant “coming and going” of the crowd that had driven Jesus to seek this seclusion (Mark 6:31), but He did not thus escape, them.' ' They followed Him. And how did He feel about it; vexed? Annoyed? No; “He welcomed them” (Luke 9:11, R.V.). Oh. wonderful love!
His own need sinks out of sight as He beholds theirs. The desire and,need,of rest is forgotten and the whole day spent in teaching and healing (Luke 9:11, 12). vs. 3, 4. “A nd Jesus went up into a (the) mountain, and there He sat with H is disciples. A nd (now) the passover, a (the) feast o f the Jews, was nigh (at hand)." Jesus was interested in and solicitous about the multitude. They were never to Him “the common herd,” or “the rabble;" they were “sheep not having a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36), and He made Himself shepherd unto them. He ever sought the crowds, for it was the crowds that needed Him- If He were really the acknowledged head of the church today, the church would not seek the boulevards where the rich live; to the neglect of the alleys where the many poor swarm. That throng drawing near the mountain was largely composed of the poor, but the souls of the poor were as precious to Him as the souls of the rich (Matt. 11:5). Probably the reason why there were such great crowds gathered together and who wished to follow Him
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