Compassionate Shepherd
Sermon July 28, 2024
Title: “Compassionate Shepherd” Text: John 6:1-15 Pastor Fred Okello
Imagine you needed an airline ticket to travel to America in 2016. In John 6:7, you can hear responses like Philip's: "It would take more than a year's wages to raise the money." This contemporary story echoes the miracle of feeding the five thousand in John 6:1-15, demonstrating God's provision and the strength of faith.
In 2016, traveling to America required an airline ticket. The cost was staggering, comparable to Philip's estimate of more than half a year's wages to feed the crowd. I was told that it would take more than a year's wages to pay for the ticket. This response, like Philip's, emphasized the limitations and seemingly impossible nature of the situation.
Before the miracle happened, I faced significant obstacles. I lost my travel documents at a critical time. The need to expedite new documents within ten days to attend my visa interview added to the situation's urgency, and this period of waiting and uncertainty tested my faith and resilience, just as the crowd waited to see how Jesus would respond to their hunger.
In an unexpected twist, the person who had previously stated that the ticket would cost more than a year's wage became my sponsor. This unexpected provision parallels the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes. Just as Jesus took the boy's small offering and transformed it into an abundant feast, God used this person to provide what appeared impossible.
The sponsorship miracle enabled me to travel to America. This miracle did more than meet my immediate need; it paved the way for a new reality. Nowadays, I can buy tickets and fly anywhere I want, similar to the twelve baskets of leftovers that Jesus used to represent abundance after feeding the crowd.
My need for a ticket and the subsequent provision demonstrates how God transforms the seemingly impossible into reality, just as Jesus did with the five loaves and two fish. The difficulties I encountered in losing my documents and having to expedite new ones reflect the trials that frequently precede miracles. These challenges help to strengthen our faith and reliance on God.
The fact that the person who initially doubted my ability to raise funds becoming my sponsor is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone and anything to bless us. This parallels how Jesus used the boy's small lunch to feed thousands. My present ability to travel freely represents living in the abundance of God's provision. Just as the disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers, my life is overflowing with opportunities and blessings.
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand provides wisdom and guidance for dealing with the growing concern of an aging congregation and the disinterest of youth and young adults in the church. Like Jesus, we must be aware of our congregation's needs. We must acknowledge our senior citizens' concerns and our youth's disengagement. Jesus' question to Philip invites us to consider: What are the needs of our senior members? Why are youth disinterested in church?
We must speak with senior and younger members to understand their concerns and perspectives. Let us begin a conversation to hear their stories and needs. Hearing their needs inspires us to discover our gifts and meet them. We can make the most of our resources and we must make the most of our resources! Andrew brings a boy to Jesus with five loaves of bread and two fish. Although it appeared insignificant, Jesus used it to perform a miracle. Let us identify the resources, talents, and gifts of our congregation's senior and younger members. God can use even small contributions to significant effect.
The boy in the story played an essential role in offering his lunch. This demonstrates that young people have significant contributions to make. Let us encourage and engage youth in meaningful ways. Allow them to take ownership of specific church activities or projects. Their participation can generate new energy and ideas.
Let us build a sense of community and purpose. Jesus instructed the people to sit in groups, forming an organized community ready to receive. Let us foster a sense of community by facilitating intergenerational interaction. Organize events, small groups, or ministries that bring people of all ages together to serve. Jesus expressed gratitude and distributed the food. Everyone participated in the miracle by sharing the meal. Let us encourage communal worship, service, and fellowship. When seniors and youth work together, they form relationships and learn from one another.
Finally, trust in God's abundant provision. Let us believe that God can and will abundantly provide for our congregation. This includes spiritual growth, new members, and a renewed interest in the church. Let us share testimonies and stories about God's work in the church. Celebrate small and large victories together, demonstrating how God is moving across generations.