Jesus’ intentionality in using the 4D’s

Let’s look more closely at one example from the chart above – how Jesus intentionally used the experiential dynamic to shape the lives of the Twelve.

In John 6, we read that the crowd followed Jesus and the disciples when they crossed the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus sees the crowd, He asks Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”

Why does He ask Philip this question?

It’s not because He is searching for answers. It’s not because He is confused or overwhelmed. He asks because He wants to use the occasion to test and train the disciples.

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

Philip’s answer ‒ that eight month’s wages would not buy enough to have a bite ‒ indicates that he thinks it’s impossible to feed this crowd with the resources they have at hand. Simon Peter seems to have a little more faith in sharing that there is a boy who has two fish and five loaves. “But how far will they go among so many?” he adds in defeat.

What’s happening here?

Jesus is not just trying to feed the crowd. He is using the experiential dynamic to train the Twelve. He is creating a scenario that they (and we) often confront in ministry: one with overwhelming demands and insufficient resources to meet those demands.

Jesus is simulating this scenario while He is with them so they will know what to do when He is no longer with them (as He is now).

The reality is, we can’t wait for ideal conditions in order to do ministry. We will always be faced with overwhelming needs or underwhelming resources to meet those needs (or both at the same time). What’s the solution?

Jesus tells the disciples to bring Him the fish and loaves. He takes them, gives thanks, and they distribute what they have to the people. They give what seems to be “not enough” to Jesus and He makes it “more than enough” for the people. The leftovers fill twelve baskets!

What is Jesus teaching them?

The same thing He is teaching us. That we will often be in situations where we don’t have what it takes to meet pressing needs. We may find that we don’t have enough wisdom, experience, faith, money, co-workers, space. But what limits us does not limit Jesus. We may be overwhelmed but He is not. He’s teaching us to depend on Him rather than our resources.

Like He did for the disciples, He invites us to bring our “not enough” to Him so that He can use it for His glory.