In either case, Jesus has a purpose for asking the question, or making a statment, i.e. an opening move of some kind.

In the first instance, it seems as though Jesus first statement is a refusal (a bit shocking in one sense, but religiously defensible). But the results prove Jesus' real desire and intention is to give aid, for the woman exhibits not temporary faith or frustration, but an unshakable faith and true humility, which exhibition is amply rewarded.

In the second instance, Jesus' question is designed to show his disciples where they consider their primary source of help is, and where it should be. So the question he puts to Philp, "Where...?," John the writer wants to emphasize is not expressed out of uncertainty, but is itself part of the lesson. To begin with, the disciples show that they are not starting off considering how they, themselves ("where are WE to buy bread?") are going to fulfill what is apparently Jesus' intention. In Matthew and Mark's gospels, Jesus explicitly tells the disciples, "YOU give them to eat."

Perhaps the appropriate answer might have been, "If such a thing is to be done, you Lord will have to bring it about." But their scrambling around for earthly resources (which they had to know even before they started were pitifully inadequate) showed that they intended to prove to Jesus just how empty was his promise of hospitality, and how nonsensical it was for him to ask them. But his point was to open their eyes to the necessity, and to the blessing available to them, in reliance upon HIM.

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Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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