Discovering the Greatness of Jesus at Hope Church in Powell

John 6:1-15 reveals one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles—the feeding of the 5,000. But beyond the miracle itself, this event challenges us to look deeper into who Jesus is and what He calls us to be.

Just as Mount Rushmore honors some of America’s greatest leaders, the Jewish people of the first century held Moses in the highest regard. Moses led Israel out of Egypt, received God’s law, and helped establish the nation both politically and spiritually. In John 6, we see Jesus perform a miracle that echoes Moses’ leadership, yet the crowd fails to grasp His true greatness.

Be a Disciple, Not Just a Face in the Crowd

John includes this miracle to show us a deeper truth about Jesus. Many in the crowd followed Jesus because of the signs He performed, particularly His healings. In a world without modern hospitals or medical care, it’s understandable why Jesus was so popular. But popularity is not the same as true discipleship.

At Hope church in Powell, we encourage everyone to go beyond simply attending church services. Being a disciple means looking at the world through the lens of Jesus and living according to His teachings. Are you a follower of Jesus, or are you just part of the crowd?

Be a Student of Jesus, Not Just an Observer

When Jesus saw the hungry crowd, He asked Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” (John 6:5). Philip immediately thought in human terms—calculating how much money it would take to buy food. Andrew pointed out a boy with five barley loaves and two fish but doubted their sufficiency.

How often do we do the same? We assess our challenges based on human resources rather than trusting in Jesus. He wants us to learn from Him, to recognize that He can do far more than we can imagine. Studying the Bible helps us see Jesus more clearly. That’s why Hope church in Powell prioritizes teaching Scripture at every level—from Sunday sermons to discipleship groups. We encourage everyone to spend time daily in God’s Word, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day.

Be Humble, and Let Jesus Set the Agenda

After witnessing the miracle, the crowd wanted to make Jesus king by force. They saw Him as a political leader who could solve their earthly problems. But Jesus did not come to lead a rebellion against Rome—He came to lead people out of sin and into eternal life.

We must be careful not to approach Jesus with our own agendas. Instead, we should humbly submit to His will. Are you letting Jesus guide your life, or are you trying to use Him to fulfill your own desires?

Follow Jesus and Experience His Greatness

Many people today, like the crowd in John 6, have a superficial interest in Jesus. But Jesus calls us to be true disciples. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live, died the death we deserve, and offers us salvation as a free gift. Those who accept this gift are called to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Perhaps today, you need to move from being an observer to a student, from being part of the crowd to being a disciple. Maybe you’re a believer but have forgotten the greatness of Jesus in your daily life. The same Jesus who performed miracles in the past is working in your life today.

At Hope Church in Powell, we invite you to grow in faith, study God’s Word, and follow Jesus with your whole heart. Join us as we seek to grasp the greatness of our Savior together.