“The Test”

It was Graham’s turn to lead. Specifically, the Bible study that Graham, Desmond and I have every few weeks. The leadership rotation moves from Graham to Desmond, then back again.

Eighteen months ago, we made the switch from “Pops” leading to the young men leading. And it’s been wonderful. Humbling really.

Last week was a perfect example.

Our text was familiar. John 6. The feeding of the 5,000. The only miracle of Jesus referenced in all four Gospels (with the notable exception of the resurrection!).

In many regards, a familiar text makes for a difficult teaching assignment. But as I learned last Wednesday, not for a fresh mind and an unencumbered communication link to the Spirit of God.

Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. — John 6:5-6

“He was testing Philip…”

The spiritual magnet in Graham’s soul pulled him back to these verses. A test.

Given that Graham and Desmond are both in the examination routine of high school, I’m sure the words sank deep. A test.

But here is where the lesson pivots. For years, no, for decades, I’ve viewed the “Philip test” as a lesson of faith over raw economics.

Philip’s response, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” was a nod to a non-existent balance sheet and a day-by-day income statement.

While that’s where Philip went, that’s not where Graham went. It was the compassion of Jesus that captured his attention. Jesus had just endured a grueling stretch of ministry work. He had a mountain retreat on the itinerary, but a “huge crowd” hijacked those plans.

The reaction of Jesus was tender. Compassionate. Kind.

So, in the teaching curriculum of my 16-year-old grandson, the “test” was centered on whether Philip felt the same compassion as Jesus. Did Philip ache for this crowd like Jesus did? Did he consider their personal needs above the economic realities? It was a test of the heart, not the head. Jesus knew that faith is fueled by love, not by transactions.

Graham got this. I had not. At least not until last Wednesday.

In fact, in Matthew 25, when Jesus references the “final exam,” the correct answers are not centered on economics, but on sacrificial compassion and care. The hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the guilty… all in need of grace-filled relationships. The “least of these” as the answer. No financial modeling or spreadsheets required.

For decades I looked past it. Not anymore.

The test.

Compassion. Not paychecks.

Through the unbiased mind and heart of a 16-year-old.

Indeed, I am ever a student.

P.S. – He’s also a good fly-fisherman. Sounds like the perfect resume for a disciple!