This story from Jesus’ ministry takes place in a specific location, at a distinct point in time. In the same way, we encounter Jesus in definite ways at unique moments in time.
Read John 6:1-4.
- It’s interesting that John wrote four verses (an entire paragraph) to set the stage for the story about Jesus feeding thousands of people.
- People followed Jesus because he performed miracles and healed the sick.
- Such miracles proved Jesus’ divine mission.1
- In the previous chapter, we read about Jesus healing a man, first asking him if he wanted to be well.
- We seek healing; we think we want to be well.
- What did Jesus do with the people who sought his miraculous healing?
- First, he sat down with his disciples. It was near the time of Passover.
- Perhaps Jesus planned to teach the disciples.
- Or maybe he was simply spending time with his friends together in community.
*If you lived in Jesus’ day, how would you react to seeing his miracles?
*Why did the people seek healing from Jesus?
*What do you imagine Jesus’ purpose was in sitting on this hillside with his disciples?
Read John 6:5-11.
- The people following Jesus weren’t literally on his heels.
- Enough time had passed that he and his disciples sat on the hillside, and Jesus saw the crowd coming toward them.
- He asked Philip where they should go to market2 to purchase food, specifically bread, to feed the people.
- Envision thick pita bread.3
- The disciples probably didn’t have a clue the crowd would need to eat, much less that Jesus would ask them to feed all the people.
- John included a parenthetical note to inform readers Jesus said this to test Philip, in the positive sense of ascertaining his character.4
- Yes, Jesus planned to teach his disciples, with a living object lesson.
- Philip recognized the magnitude of the request.
- An astronomical amount would be required to feed so many people more than a bite, let alone satisfy their hunger.
- Andrew apparently researched while listening to the conversation.
- He mentioned the available resources, but also questioned their effectiveness for so many people.
- Jesus resumed his teaching role, instructing the disciples to organize the people (Luke 9:14).
- Jesus gave thanks for the bread and fish as one would before a meal, and the disciples distributed it.
*Why do you think Jesus and his disciples arrived on the hillside before the crowds?
*How did it happen the people needed to eat at that time?
*What is the significance of the available resources?
Read John 5:12-15.
- Jesus’ teaching continued. “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”
- We notice the twelve baskets left over, the same number as disciples.
- They too will receive Jesus’ blessing in full.
- The people recognized the experience as miraculous and claimed Jesus was the Prophet.
- “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him” (Deuteronomy 18:15).
- Jesus knew they still sought an earthly king, and they planned to seize him by force.
- His time had not yet come to fully reveal his purpose, and he withdrew again into the hills, this time by himself, alone, without others.5
*Why do you think there were twelve baskets left over?
*What is the significance of Jesus telling the disciples not to lose any leftover pieces?
*What might have been Jesus’ intended lesson for those who heard (or read) about this event?
Jesus traveled to this remote place with his disciples, seeking rest. Whether or not we fully grasp his intended lesson, Jesus used the opportunity to instruct. He interacted more directly with his disciples in this scene than the people. Jesus maintained focus throughout, returning then to the time he sought for personal restoration.
Where are we on our walk with God? Spending time in community with friends? Faced with an opportunity for ministry? Receiving abundant nourishment and blessing to strengthen us? Withdrawing alone with Jesus for rest and restoration?
- Spiros Zodhiates Th.D., The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament (AMG Publishers, 1992), 1286.
- Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/greek/59.htm
- Bible Hub https://biblehub.com/greek/740.htm
- Zodhiates, 1135.
- Zodhiates, 996.