Scripture Reading: John 6:1-14
The importance of the miracle of the loaves and fishes is shown in the fact that it is the only one of the miracles which all the four evangelists record. Jesus sought rest for His disciples, who were very weary, thus showing His thoughtfulness for them, and took them away. But the looked-for rest was not realized, for the people flocked after Him and a great multitude thronged about Him in a little while, interrupting His rest and calling Him to minister again to the people.
A picture in the Doré gallery represents a great throng of people, rich and poor, young and old, kings and peasants, all turning beseeching looks toward a far-away Figure. It is the Christ, clothed in robes of dazzling whiteness, bearing a cross, beckoning with uplifted hand to these broken-hearted ones and sorrow-laden ones to come to Him for rest. This is always a true picture of Jesus. He invites all the weary and the needy to Him. Wherever He is those who are hungry-hearted or in distress are drawn to Him. It was so in the old Galilean days. He could scarcely get a moment’s rest or quiet. The people would follow Him to His retreats when He sought to be alone. They would break in upon Him even when he was at His prayers. It still remains true that there is something in Christ which draws all men to Him. He had something to give to men which they needed and which no other could give to them.
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