The Gospel of John 6:1-21
Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus 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. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”. When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, may we seek You with the same hunger, knowing that You are the Bread of Life. Fill our hearts with Your grace and compassion.” Help us trust in Your extraordinary provision when we feel overwhelmed during life’s storms, remind us that You are with us. You are our safe passage, our rescue. May Your grace transform us, and Your glory shine through our acts of compassion. Help us to meet the full range of human needs.” This we pray in your Name. Amen.
There are several interesting observations on this Sunday’s gospel. We have been reading the Gospel of Mark and suddenly, we change to Gospel of John. And after five weeks of the Gospel of John Chapter Six, we go back to Mark. How come? One explanation I found was John’s Gospel was more spiritual. It has been called ‘the spiritual gospel, not because the others are unspiritual, but because it has a special way of drawing our attention to who Jesus is and challenging us to make a personal response to him. These five weeks of John also covers a period of time when Jesus’s popularity was high.
The section starts out with mention of a large crowd that kept following Jesus.
Before you read on, think about why you follow Jesus. Why do the people in your church/ community follow Jesus? Why might you compel another person to follow Jesus? The importance of this sign is important in that all four Gospels contain an account of it. John was familiar with the other evangelists’ versions of this miracle as well as being an eyewitness of the event. This miracle demonstrated Jesus’ authority over quantity. It constitutes further proof that Jesus was the Son of God.
The feeding of the 5,000 presents Jesus as the provider of people’s needs. The feeding the 5000 is not so much about what Jesus did but why these things happened and what the crowd was able to experience. The power of Christ in feeding them made them feel comfortable because they sensed that this meal was special. The special feelings we get upon receiving the Eucharist. It is also how when we share our blessings with others, they can feel special, and it should make us feel special also.
His walking on the water pictures Him as the protector of those who trust and obey Him. The second of these two signs taught the disciples that Jesus had authority over nature. John undoubtedly recorded the incident to teach his readers the same lesson. Both miracles demonstrated Jesus’ equality with the Father, whom Old Testament writers described as doing these things.
A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. But there’s more to Jesus. He came into the world to bring God’s light, life, and love. He came to offer hope and salvation. Redemption and release. He came that everyone would believe, and receive the gifts of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Like the crowd, we hunger for Jesus’ presence and teaching. And like the young boy, we can offer what little we have, trusting that Jesus can multiply it beyond our expectations.
And like Philip, we may feel overwhelmed by life’s demands, unable to see solutions. So, when the storms arise, Jesus reminds us not to fear, He is with us, ensuring our safe passage. Now we need to recognize Jesus as the source of life, the bread that satisfies our deepest hunger, and the One who calms life’s storms. And remember as he said to His disciples “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Let us Pray: May God’s wonderful love be with you everywhere. May Christ Jesus feed you with His body and word. And may the Holy Spirit confirm the truth in you and fill you with God’s presence always. In the Name of Christ. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 