Scripture: Psalm 23:1-2, Exodus 16, John 6
This past Sunday, we continued our series on Jesus as our Shepherd, focusing on what it means for Him to lead us into green pastures and answer the question will God Provide for Me? When we think of green pastures, we often picture rolling fields of lush, endless grass. But in the Middle East, where David wrote Psalm 23, green pastures were often small patches of grass that sprouted in rocky terrain. Shepherds had to carefully guide their sheep to these places daily, ensuring they had just enough to sustain them.
This is a powerful picture of how God provides for us. We often want abundance upfront—security, certainty, and provision in excess. But the Good Shepherd calls us to daily trust in His provision, relying on Him one step at a time.
Will God Provide for Me? | Exodus 16
In Exodus 16, the Israelites found themselves in the wilderness, hungry and complaining. They had just seen God part the Red Sea, yet now they doubted His ability to care for them. Their complaints distorted their perspective:
They distort the past—forgetting that Egypt, where they had food, was also a place of slavery.
They exaggerated the present—believing they were on the brink of death, even though God had already delivered them miraculously.
They lacked faith for the future—assuming that if they couldn’t see how God would provide, He wouldn’t.
Instead of trusting, they grumbled. Yet, despite their attitudes, God provided manna—bread from heaven that appeared every morning. There was just enough for each day, except on the Sabbath, when God provided double so they could rest.
This challenges us to ask: Do we trust God for our daily needs, or do we let fear and anxiety take over when we can’t see what’s ahead? Just as He provided for Israel every single morning, He will provide for us—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. But He calls us to rely on Him one day at a time.
Shifting Focus from Provision to Provider | John 6:25-35
Fast forward to John 6, and we see another group of people following Jesus—not because they believed in Him, but because He had miraculously fed them. They hunted Him down, eager for more food. But Jesus challenged them:
"Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you." - John 6:27
They had their focus in the wrong place. Instead of seeing the miracle as a sign pointing to Jesus, they were fixated on the temporary provision. How often do we do the same? We chase after financial security, comfort, and stability, assuming that if we just get enough, we’ll finally have peace. But Jesus tells us:
"I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." - John 6:35
The real need isn’t more stuff, more success, or more stability—it’s Jesus. He is the One who sustains, fills, and gives true purpose. If we make Him our focus, we will find everything else falls into place.
The Crossroads: Will You Follow? | John 6:66
Jesus' teaching was hard for many to accept. They wanted food, not faith. They wanted miracles, not surrender. And so, John 6:66 records a sad moment:
"After this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him." - John 6:66
They walked away because they were more focused on what Jesus could give them than on who He was. And we face the same choice today. Will we trust God with our lives? With our future? With our plans? There is no riding the fence with Jesus—we are either following the Shepherd or going our own way.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever found yourself worrying more about provision than trusting the Provider?
In what areas of your life is God calling you to trust Him daily instead of looking for long-term security?
Have you ever pursued Jesus primarily for what He could give you rather than who He is?
What would it look like for you to fully surrender your plans and future to the Good Shepherd?
That’s what we talked about this week. If you missed it, go back and watch—it’s a reminder we all need.
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