-LIFE OF CHRIST - THE MINISTRY OF WITHDRAWALS

-Introduction

-The year that now stood between Jesus and His crucifixion would be a difficult one - often times

  referred to as the “year of opposition”.

-For approximately the next six months, Jesus withdraws Himself and the apostles from the territory

  governed by Herod Antipas.  “There are five reasons for the withdrawals from Galilee.  He withdraws

  from the jealousy of Herod Antipas, from the fanaticism of would-be followers in Galilee (John 6:15),

  and the hostility of the Jewish rulers; and leaving the hot shores of the Lake of Galilee, he spent the

  summer in the mountain districts around, resting and instructing the Twelve” (Robertson, pg 85, fn).

-The Ministry of Withdrawals consists of four departures from Herod’s territory:  across the Sea of

  Galilee to the area of Bethsaida; to Tyre and Sidon in Phoenicia; to Decapolis southeast of the Sea of

  Galilee; and to the regions of Ceasarea-Philippi, north of the Sea of Galilee.

-First Withdrawal:

-Feeding the Five Thousand

-Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, Matt 14:13-21, John 6:1-15

-The apostles, having returned from their tour of Galilee, gave an account of their activities to Jesus.

-Having heard the news about John the Baptizer (Matt 14:13), Jesus departs by boat with His apostles.

  Jesus gave the purpose for doing so – rest (Mark 6:31).

-However, as Jesus and the apostles departed by boat (Mark 6:32), a multitude of people followed on foot

  along the shore (Mark 6:33).  So, when they landed near Bethsaida (Luke 9:10) on the northeastern

  shore of the Sea of Galilee, a multitude awaited them. 

            -Once again, Jesus was afforded no time for rest.  However, instead of being frustrated and/or angry,

              Jesus showed compassion on the people (Mark 6:34) and healed their sick (Matt 14:14) and taught

              them many things (Mark 6:34).

-It was growing late in the day.  If the multitude was to make any provisions for food and seek shelter,

  they would have to act very quickly.  With this in mind, the apostles requested that Jesus send the

  people away.

            -Jesus responded with instructions to feed the multitude.  John’s account includes a question that

              Jesus posed to Philip regarding the purchase of food.  The idea of the expense of purchasing food

              for so many people would have certainly been overwhelming to Philip and would have far

              exceeded the amount being carried by Judas in their money bag.  Obviously, the ability to provide

              for the multitude was far beyond the abilities of the apostles.  Not so with Jesus, though.

            -Andrew reported that the only food available was that which was being carried by a lad – only fives

              loaves and two small fish, a seemingly insufficient amount for such a large number of people (John

              6:8-9).

                        -However, Jesus had the apostles divide the multitude into groups and began the distribution of

                          food.  After more than 5,000 people ate (The 5,000 didn’t include the women and children –

                          Matt 14:21.) twelve baskets full of leftovers were taken up.

-Upon witnessing this miracle, the people said, “This is of a truth that prophet that should come into

  the world” (John 6:14).  See Deut 18:18.

            -Once again, a miracle performed by Jesus had a profound effect on the people.  However, even

              though the people correctly identified Jesus, they still had false expectations concerning Him,

              as we will soon see.