"Lifting up His eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward Him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" He said this to test Him, for He Himself knew what He would do." (John 6:5–6, ESV)

Jesus Tested His Man

O Lord, You tested Your man. You saw the vast and weary crowd stay deep into the day. You knew they would need food. You knew they had not prepared for a trip of such duration. So you looked at Philip and said, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?"

Years later, John knew it was a test. You knew, all along, what You would do. Five loaves, two fish, blessed and broken in Your hands, would satiate the crowds. Glutted, they would depart, and twelve baskets of bread would be leftover. You knew You'd do this. You know.

Yet you asked, tested, "Where are we to buy bread?" I know You, so I know this was no cruel trick. You weren't toying with Your man like a cat plays with a wounded mouse. You were (and are) in the business of building disciples. Philip and the others were under construction, and somehow, this question, this test, would strengthen them for life to come. Your testing produced something rich in Philip; I am sure of it.

The Lesson They Learned

When the days of the Spirit arrived after Your ascension, when the crowds rushed upon these same disciples, I think Your question rang in their ears. "Where are we to buy bread?" How could they serve the needs of so many?

The answer, I think they learned out in the wilderness, as they served the bread and fish you miraculously broke in your hands, was found in You. Only You could provide for the needs of the masses. You are the bread of life. You are the One who erases hunger and slakes thirst. Only You are sufficient for the needs fo the people.

A Prayer to Walk in This Lesson

And, Lord, here I am, tested like this a thousand times over. I feel a failure in this test so often. I stress and worry. I doubt. And I try to draw from my own resources, power, might, and energy.

But You are there, testing, no, building. You are constructing a man of faith, one who trusts in Your resources. "Where will the provision come from, Nate? Where will you find the time? Where will you get the energy? Are you wise enough for this endeavor?"

And the temptation comes to look inward for the strength. But I will remember the test You gave Philip. The answer is in You. You have the supply, the provision, the power, the strength, the resources. You are the One who can satisfy every need. It is all found in You.

I love how Your man Paul wrote of You: "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3. It is in You. You are the supply. You will get the job done.