He said this to test him.

John 6:5-6, Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

Jesus uses many things to teach and train His disciples, so we should not be surprised if He does the same with us. James refers to the tested genuineness of our faith as “more precious than perishing gold.” He tells us that it develops steadfastness that we may be “perfect, lacking in nothing.” Do we see these trials as His testing, as opportunities to remain steadfast that leads to the crown of life?

We look to You for the strength to persevere, that we may be steadfast in trials and proven sound by the tests You give us!

ESV Lectionary