Lent 2023: John 6:1-15

The Fourth Sign: Feeding of the Five Thousand

6 After this, Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2 A huge crowd was following him because they saw the signs that he was performing by healing the sick. 3 Jesus went up a mountain and sat down there with his disciples.

4 Now the Passover, a Jewish festival, was near. 5 So when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so that these people can eat?” 6 He asked this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do.

7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii[a] worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little.”

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There’s 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.”

There was plenty of grass in that place; so they sat down. The men numbered about five thousand. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks he distributed them to those who were seated—so also with the fish, as much as they wanted.

12 When they were full, he told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten.

14 When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This truly is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

15 Therefore, 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.

—John 6:1-15

Read & Journal

Read John 6:1-15. Take a few moments to mull over what you’ve read.

• What does this miracle teach you about Jesus’ character? His purpose?

• In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ miracles are presented as evidence that Jesus is the Messiah. How does the miracle in today’s passage affirm that?

• Compare Philip and Andrew’s response to the problem. Philip focused on the details and the money, while Andrew focused on what was available. Which attitude more often describes yours in times of trial?