“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’” – John 6:14
For over 14 centuries, the people of Israel had been waiting for the prophet “like Moses” to come into the world (see Deuteronomy 18). Here, some of them began to realize that Jesus was that long-awaited prophet. What’s most important to us today is the reason they began to understand that about Jesus…
Jesus had just fed the 5000. A group of Jews were out in the desert and Jesus had miraculously provided bread to fill their empty stomachs. This was a visible sign pointing to Jesus being the new Moses. After all, Moses had led a group of Jews out into the desert and God had miraculously provided bread from heaven to fill their empty stomachs. The difference between Moses and Jesus, and the reason Jesus is greater than Moses, is that unlike Moses, Jesus made the bread! He did the work of Moses (leading the people) AND the work of God (providing the bread) because He is more than a prophet, He is God in the flesh.
What’s the true significance of this miracle? Why should we be so moved and excited about Jesus feeding the 5000? Why is it so prominently featured in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry? Because Moses led the people of God on an exodus out of physical bondage in Egypt and into freedom.
Jesus came to lead an even greater exodus for you and me! Jesus came to lead God’s people (all who trust in Him as Lord) out of bondage to sin and death and into spiritual freedom and eternal life. The miraculous provision of bread in the desert (followed by a miraculous water crossing) points to this deeper spiritual truth about Jesus’ purpose and mission. He’s come to set us free from the consequences of our own sinful rebellion. He’s come to give life to those walking in spiritual death. Yes, Jesus is the prophet like Moses, but He’s also the Messiah like David, the Savior, the Lord, and the Son of God. Believe in Him and be set free forever!