12. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Jesus would not have even the broken pieces wasted. God giveth enough for supply, but nothing to waste; all waste is sin. 13. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come Chap. 4. 19.into the world. That divine teacher, that great deliverer who is expected, the Messiah.

And now, let us ponder upon the miracle: let us represent the scene to our minds; let us imagine, that we saw the great wonder exhibited before us. The hungry thousands ranged in order upon the grass; the Saviour with the bread in His hand, breaking and giving it to the disciples, while they distribute it to all around; and as the bread is broken, it grows; the loaf not diminished, but increased: the multitude fed and satisfied, thankful and rejoicing. Could we really behold all this, how deeply should we be stricken with a sense of the love and the power of Jesus! How heartily should we exclaim, that He is of a truth that gracious and glorious Prophet, whom

the ancient scriptures foretold, as coming for the redemption and salvation of man! Surely we could never lose or forget the impression, which a scene, like this, had made upon our hearts. Well, but we do fully believe, that these things were so done; and therefore their truth is as unquestionable, as if we beheld them. Let us then pray God for the spirit of faith, "the evidence of things not seen," (Heb. xi. 1.) so to fix the truth in our minds, as to produce in them a lasting and living effect; as to make us acknowledge and adore and love that Saviour, who manifested such almighty power, and shewed such mercy And let it dispose us, by His help, to seek that spiritual food, which is constantly supplied to those who will receive it, with a never-failing abundance; increased it is according to our desire; multiplied, as we feed upon it: and this, not like the bread which supports the body, the strength whereof soon passeth away, but nourishing our souls for the life eternal. Be this our daily bread; sought at the hands of that same Lord, who, is waiting to bestow it, and alone hath it to bestow.

to man.

LECTURE XX.

Jesus sheweth what instruction should be drawn from the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

CHAP. VI. 15.

15. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to wake him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

The Jews expected the Messiah to be a temporal king, and expected to share in the greatness and glory of His kingdom upon earth; they were convinced, from the miracle just wrought, that Jesus was the Messiah; but they saw Him a modest and retiring character, and backward in claiming His right to the throne; on this account they were desirous of setting Him up by force, and of proclaiming His sovereignty and power. This would have been quite opposite to the purpose for which Jesus came; for His "kingdom was not of Ch. 18. 36. this world;" therefore He withdrew, and defeated their scheme.

16. And when even, or evening, was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, or lake, 17. And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 19. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, between three and four miles, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and

drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. 21. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately, straightway, shortly, the ship was at the land whither they went, whither they were going.

It implies that the wind entirely ceased, and there was a sudden and miraculous calm. See

the account in St. Matthew, where this is ex- Matt. 14. 32. pressly mentioned.

22. The day following, when the people, which stood on the other side of the sea, on that side from which Jesus and His disciples. had come, saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, for He went up the mountain, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 23. (Howbeit, nevertheless, there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks :) 24. When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, took boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. Observe the expression in ver. 23, "where they did eat bread after that the Lord had given thanks," which shews that His giving of thanks, or calling for a blessing, is much to be attended to.

25. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? He had walked upon the water, we remember, thus shewing His divine power. 26. Jesus answered them, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Not because ye were moved by the miracle itself, and were convinced thereby that I came from God, not with any spiritual view, but on account of the earthly advantage ye received, hoping to obtain from Me some other favour of the same kind. This rebuke of our Lord's condemns all those who pretend to take an interest in His gospel, and engage in religious services, with a view to worldly benefit, for the sake of pleasing men, for honour or reward. Christ will not approve nor receive any, unless they come to Him for His own sake, and with a sincere and single view to the good and salvation of their souls. We will conclude with His own striking admonition on this head, in ver. 27.

27. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father Matt. 3. 17. sealed.

& 17.5.