John 6:1-21

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus miraculously feeds more than five thousand as the fourth sign-miracle, and then walks on water as the fifth sign-miracle of His Messiahship. The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle mentioned in all four Gospels (Matt. 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17).  Jesus was followed by a large crowd as He travelled to the east side of the Sea of Galilee (John 6:1-2).  While seated on a mountain, Jesus saw the masses and tested Philip with a question concerning where they might get something for them to eat (John 6:3-6).  Philip replied that 200 hundred Denarii would not be enough to purchase food for everyone (John 6:6), and Andrew mentioned the meager meal of a nearby child (John 6:8-9).  Jesus then took the five loaves and two fishes, gave thanks, and miraculously multiplied the food to feed everyone present, collecting twelve baskets of leftovers (John 6:10-13).  Jesus rejected the people’s push to make Him king because their motive was sinful (John 6:14-15).  The disciples left Jesus and went out on the Sea of Galilee at night, alone, in windy conditions (John 6:16-19).  Jesus came to them, walking on the water, spoke and calmed their fears.  The disciples received Jesus into the boat and were immediately on the western side of the Sea of Galilee (John 6:20-21).