1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.
2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.
3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.
4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.
5 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?”
6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.
7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.”
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,
9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.
11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.
12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.”
13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.
14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea,
17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum.
18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.
19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.
20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone.
23 There came other boats from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?”
26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”
29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?
31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.
37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.
40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves.”
44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ So everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—
46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.
47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.
48 I am the bread of life.
49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.
50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.
52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.
56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.
57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.
58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
59 This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.
60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?”
61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this?
62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)
65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,
69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”
71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
The True Meaning of John 6
This passage from the Gospel of John provides a powerful account of one of the most well-known miracles performed by Jesus – the feeding of the five thousand. The author, John, was one of the twelve disciples who followed Jesus and witnessed his ministry firsthand. Jesus responds to the physical and spiritual needs of the large crowd that has gathered, displaying his compassion and divine power. The events that unfold foreshadow Jesus’ role as the true “bread of life” who can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. We also catch a glimpse of the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, as they begin to question and oppose his claims.
Throughout the passage, John draws connections to other significant moments in the biblical narrative, such as the Exodus and the manna provided by God in the wilderness. These allusions invite us to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the true source of nourishment for our souls.
John 6:1-15
The story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand is recounted in John 6:1-15. This narrative is one of the few miracles recorded in all four Gospels, underscoring its significance. Let’s break down this passage into important sections to unravel its deeper meaning and implications.
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Verses 1-4: The Setting
The narrative begins with Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee and a large crowd following Him because they saw the signs He performed on the sick. This moment sets the stage for what is about to unfold – a manifestation of Jesus’ compassion and divine power. The mention of the Passover being near in verse 4 serves as a reminder of the significance of this miracle in the context of the Jewish festival and the themes of provision and deliverance. -
Verses 5-9: Testing Philip
Jesus asks Philip where they can buy bread to feed the crowd, testing him even though Jesus already knew what He was going to do. Philip’s response of disbelief due to the insufficiency of resources serves as a reminder of our human limitations contrasted with God’s abundance. Andrew also brings a young boy with five loaves and two fish to Jesus, highlighting the importance of childlike faith and offering what little we have for God to work miracles. -
Verses 10-11: Jesus’ Miracle
Jesus takes the loaves, gives thanks, and distributes them to the people, showing His authority over creation and His ability to provide abundantly. The miraculous feeding of the five thousand not only satisfies their physical hunger but also points to Jesus as the true bread of life that satisfies our deepest spiritual needs. This act prefigures the Last Supper where Jesus institutes the sacrament of the Eucharist, emphasizing the enduring significance of this event in the life of believers. -
Verses 12-13: Gathering the Leftovers
After everyone had eaten their fill, Jesus instructs His disciples to gather the leftover fragments, symbolizing God’s abundant provision and the elimination of waste. The twelve baskets collected signify the twelve tribes of Israel, hinting at the inclusivity of God’s kingdom and His care for His people as a shepherd gathers his flock. This detail underscores the theme of God’s extravagant generosity and how nothing entrusted to Him is wasted. -
Verses 14-15: The Response of the Crowd
The miraculous feeding causes the people to recognize Jesus as a prophet and want to make Him king by force. However, Jesus withdraws to the mountain alone, revealing His unwillingness to conform to earthly expectations or be a mere political messiah. This response highlights the misunderstanding of the crowd regarding Jesus’ true mission and identity, emphasizing His spiritual kingship and the necessity of faith beyond just seeking material satisfaction. Jesus’ provision, sufficiency, and spiritual nourishment for all who come to Him in faith is not merely a miraculous event but a powerful symbol in the Feeding of the Five Thousand. It underscores the themes of abundance, faith, and the centrality of Christ as the Bread of Life. This passage invites us to trust in God’s ability to meet our needs, offer our meager resources for His use, and recognize Jesus as the true source of sustenance for our souls.
John 6:16-21
The account of Jesus walking on water is encountered in John 6:16-21. This miraculous event takes place right after Jesus feeds the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish, demonstrating His power over nature and providing physical nourishment to the people. After dismissing the crowd, Jesus instructs His disciples to get into a boat and cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He goes up on a mountainside to pray. A strong wind picks up as the disciples row across the lake, causing turbulent conditions. The disciples see Jesus walking on the water towards them in the middle of the night and become frightened, thinking He is a ghost. But Jesus reassures them, saying, “It is I; do not be afraid.” This statement not only calms their fears but also asserts His divinity, reminding them of His presence and power even in the midst of storms.
The disciples then willingly take Jesus into the boat, and miraculously, the boat immediately reaches the shore where they were heading. This sudden arrival at their destination indicates not only the immediate impact of Jesus’ presence but also His ability to overcome obstacles and provide safe passage. This narrative highlights the disciples’ need for faith and trust in Jesus, despite the challenges they faced, and teaches us the importance of recognizing and relying on Jesus in the midst of life’s trials.
This episode echoes other instances in the Bible where God demonstrates power over the elements, such as when He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians (Exodus 14) or when He calmed the storm at sea (Mark 4:35-41). These stories serve as reminders of God’s sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from danger. Jesus walking on water in this case also points to His unique authority as the Son of God, capable of doing the impossible and providing salvation to those who believe in Him. The passage in John 6:16-21 not only showcases Jesus’ miraculous abilities but also underscores the disciples’ journey of growing faith and understanding in Him as the Messiah. It challenges us to trust in Jesus during our own “storms” in life and to recognize His presence and power, ultimately leading us to a deeper relationship with Him and a stronger faith in His saving grace.
John 6:22-29
Jesus explains the true significance of the miracle to the crowd following the account of him feeding the 5,000 with five barley loaves and two fish in John 6:22-29. This section of the Gospel highlights both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment through the teachings of Jesus.
Beginning with verse 22, after the miraculous feeding of the multitude, the crowd seeks Jesus. This event echoes the story of Moses in the Old Testament when he provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. The people were looking for Jesus not because they believed in Him as the Son of God but because they were satisfied by the physical food He provided. This sets the stage for Jesus to redirect their focus from temporary satisfaction to eternal life.
Jesus addresses the crowd’s motives in verses 26-27, pointing out that they were following Him not because they understood the true significance of the miracle but because their bellies were filled. He urges them not to work for temporary physical food that perishes but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give them. This statement foreshadows the spiritual truth and deeper meaning behind the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Jesus makes a profound declaration in verse 29: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in Him as the Son of God. This echoes a central theme woven throughout the Bible: salvation through faith. Just as the Israelites had to have faith in God’s provision of manna in the wilderness, Jesus instructs the crowd to have faith in Him as the source of true nourishment for their souls.
This passage serves as a reminder for believers to seek spiritual sustenance in Jesus, the bread of life. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate physical needs and desires and to prioritize our relationship with Christ, who offers eternal life. Jesus continues to explain in John 6:35 that he is the bread of life; whoever comes to him shall not hunger, and whoever believes in him shall never thirst.” This powerful imagery reinforces the idea that Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and fulfillment for all who believe in Him.
John 6:30-40
Several important sections in John 6:30-40 could be broken down for deeper understanding.
Verse 30 starts with the crowd asking Jesus for a sign so that they may believe in Him. This request for a sign highlights a recurrent theme in the Bible where the people often sought miraculous signs as proof of Jesus’ divinity. It reflects a lack of faith on the part of the crowd, despite witnessing the miracles Jesus had already performed. This section serves as a reminder that true faith requires belief even in the absence of tangible evidence. Jesus refers to the manna that God provided to the Israelites in the wilderness in response to their request. He uses this as a metaphor for who He is – the true bread from heaven in verse 32. This reference to manna is significant because it draws parallels between the provision of physical sustenance in the wilderness and Jesus being the spiritual sustenance that brings eternal life. Jesus is emphasizing that just as the manna sustained the Israelites physically, He is the source of sustenance for eternal life.
Furthermore, Jesus goes on to clarify in verse 35 that He is the bread of life and whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst. This declaration by Jesus serves as a foundational statement in the book of John and the Bible as a whole. It emphasizes that true fulfillment and nourishment can only be found through Jesus. This idea is echoed in other verses like John 14:6 where Jesus states, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
The section concludes with Jesus reiterating the will of the Father in verse 40, which is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life. This reiterates the central message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God, given to those who believe in His Son. This idea is also expressed in John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, which states that whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish but have eternal life. John 6:30-40 highlights the importance of faith in Jesus as the bread of life who provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life. It emphasizes the need for belief in Him, rather than relying on signs or earthly provisions. The passage conveys the timeless message that true fulfillment and salvation can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
John 6:41-51
Several key sections in John 6:41-51 offer deep theological insight and profound teachings. Firstly, verse 41 starts with the Jews murmuring against Jesus because He claimed to be the bread that came down from heaven. This shows a lack of faith and understanding among the Jews towards Jesus’ divine nature and His role in fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah. Despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings, they struggled to grasp the significance of His identity.
Moving on to verse 48, Jesus explicitly declares, “I am the bread of life.” This statement holds immense symbolic meaning as bread sustains physical life, but Jesus, as the bread of life, offers spiritual sustenance and eternal life. Jesus emphasizes the vital nourishment He provides for the soul by equating Himself to bread, highlighting the necessity of a deep, personal relationship with Him for true spiritual fulfillment. This assertion also echoes the importance of the Eucharist in Christianity, where bread and wine are symbols of Christ’s body and blood, reinforcing believers’ union with Him.
The metaphorical language used by Jesus in these verses underscores His divinity, His sacrificial role in providing salvation, and the need for believers to partake in Him fully. Believers develop a transformative connection with Christ and experience abundant life and eventual resurrection by consuming this spiritual bread and accepting His teachings into their lives. The profound significance of Jesus as the bread of life reverberates throughout the Bible, tying back to Old Testament references such as manna in Exodus 16:4, symbolizing God’s provision and sustenance for His people.
Furthermore, in verse 51, Jesus states that the bread He gives is His flesh, which He will give for the life of the world. This prefigures His sacrifice on the cross, where His body was broken and His blood shed for the atonement of sins. The concept of partaking in Jesus’ flesh and blood points towards the communion ritual, where believers commemorate His sacrifice and reiterate their spiritual nourishment through Him. This notion of self-sacrifice, redemption, and communion with Christ constitutes the core of Christian theology, emphasizing the central role of Jesus’ death and resurrection in bringing about salvation and eternal life. John 6:41-51 encapsulates profound truths about Jesus’ identity as the bread of life, the significance of spiritual nourishment through Him, and the transformative power of communion with His sacrifice. It challenges believers to deepen their understanding of Christ’s divinity, embrace His teachings wholeheartedly, and partake in His redemptive work for the attainment of eternal life. Through these verses, the timeless message of salvation, grace, and communion with Christ resonates, inviting believers to a profound, life-altering relationship with the Savior.
John 6:52-59
Jesus engages with a crowd of people who are struggling to understand His teachings in John 6:52-59. This passage follows immediately after Jesus declares Himself as the “bread of life” and emphasizes the importance of believing in Him for eternal life. The Jews in verse 52 are disputing among themselves how Jesus can give them His flesh to eat, showing their literal understanding of Jesus’ metaphorical language. Jesus responds in verse 53 by saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” Here, Jesus is not speaking literally about consuming His physical body and blood, but rather emphasizing the importance of partaking in Him spiritually. This prefigures the institution of the Lord’s Supper or communion, where believers partake of bread and wine symbolizing the body and blood of Christ. This act is about remembering and communing with Christ, not about physical consumption. Jesus explains in verse 54 that whoever feeds on His flesh and drinks His blood has eternal life, and He will raise them up on the last day as the dialogue continues. This points to the promise of resurrection and the assurance of eternal life for believers in Christ. Through Him, believers have the hope of resurrection and the certainty of a life beyond physical death.
Verse 55 emphasizes the intimate union between believers and Christ, as Jesus states, “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” This union signifies the deep, personal relationship that believers can have with Christ through faith. Just as physical food sustains our bodies, partaking in Christ spiritually nourishes our souls. This concept echoes the Old Testament imagery of God providing manna in the wilderness to sustain the Israelites, foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate sustenance for our spiritual journey. Jesus speaks of abiding in Him and He in them in verse 56, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the relationship between Christ and His followers. This mutual indwelling signifies the intimacy and closeness that believers can experience with Christ through faith and obedience. This echoes the concept of Jesus as the vine and believers as the branches in John 15:1-8, emphasizing the vital connection and dependence believers have on Christ for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Finally, in verse 57, Jesus speaks of the living Father who sent Him, and that He lives because of the Father. This statement reinforces the divine nature of Jesus as the Son of God, sent by the Father to fulfill His redemptive plan. The relationship between the Father, the Son, and believers is interconnected, showcasing the unity within the Trinity and the divine purpose of salvation through Christ. John 6:52-59 emphasizes the spiritual truths of communion with Christ, the promise of eternal life through Him, the intimate union believers have with Christ, and the divine nature of Jesus as the Son of God. This passage challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding of Jesus’ teachings and to embrace a deeper, faith-filled relationship with Him that sustains us spiritually and grants us eternal life.
John 6:60-71
We witness a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry in the verses 60-71 of John 6. The segment begins with many of his disciples expressing disbelief and struggling to accept his teachings. They find Jesus’ words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood to have eternal life difficult to comprehend. This message deeply contrasts with the physical and material expectations they had of the long-awaited Messiah. The disciples’ reaction serves as a test of their faith and commitment to following Jesus unconditionally.
The disciples’ confusion and struggle to accept Jesus’ metaphorical language echo throughout the centuries as many have found certain aspects of Christian doctrine challenging to grasp. However, this passage underscores the importance of faith and trust in God even when we may not fully understand His ways. It urges believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and understanding, as faith often requires seeing beyond the superficial and embracing the deeper spiritual truths that Jesus imparts. Jesus anticipates the disciples’ doubt and questions their loyalty as they grapple with his words. He acknowledges their skepticism but challenges them to consider the deeper spiritual implications of his teachings. Despite the disciples’ hesitation, Peter, ever the impulsive yet devoted follower, boldly declares his faith in Jesus. Peter’s response stands in stark contrast to the doubt expressed by others and highlights the intimacy of his relationship with Christ.
Peter’s proclamation in verse 68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” reinforces the central message of the Gospel. It emphasizes that Jesus is the only source of true life and salvation. Peter’s words echo the sentiment expressed earlier in John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This aligns with the overarching theme of salvation through faith in Christ alone, a message that remains foundational in Christianity.
Jesus’ response to Peter reaffirms the significance of belief and the sovereignty of God in calling individuals to faith. Despite acknowledging Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve, Jesus is well aware of his impending betrayal. Here, Judas symbolizes the reality of false discipleship and the treacherous nature of human hearts. His presence among the chosen disciples serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for deceit and betrayal even in the closest circles. This passage in John 6 serves as a profound reflection on the nature of faith, commitment, and the challenges of following Christ. It prompts believers to examine their own faith and commitment in the face of difficult teachings or circumstances. Through the responses of the disciples, especially Peter’s unwavering declaration of faith, we are reminded of the necessity of a steadfast and genuine belief in Jesus as the only path to eternal life. The inclusion of Judas also serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of false discipleship and the need for genuine sincerity in following Christ.
After John 6
Jesus performed a miraculous feeding of the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish in this chapter. The people were amazed by this display of divine power and provision. Jesus used this miracle to teach them about the true bread from heaven, which gives eternal life. Many were drawn to Jesus because of this sign, recognizing Him as a prophet. As we reflect on the events of this chapter, let us remember the words of Jesus: “I am the bread of life.”” Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Let us seek to partake of this spiritual bread that sustains us for eternity. Jesus will continue to reveal Himself as the source of true life and salvation in the next chapter. We eagerly anticipate the lessons He has in store for us.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.