Philip Goes To The Market for Bread” John 6:1-7

 

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip,Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

John mainly records Jesus’ acts and miracles in and around Jerusalem and Judea, whereas the other 3 gospels include more activities in around Galilee  In Luke’s gospel it says Jesus went into the desert and the crowds followed him  This is the beginning of a growing trend in his popularity.  Part of this popularity was that Jesus was CONTINUALLY healing the sick. In Luke it also says that Jesus taught the “multitudes”. This reveals part of Jesus’ missional strategy. He would “do” and then “teach”.

The mention of the Passover feast explains why he might be meeting the masses, who were going from Galilee to Jerusalem. The Passover commemorated the Jews deliverance and Exodus from the Egyptians.  As Jesus would be feeding the people, it would remind them of God’s provision for them with the manna in the wilderness. (Bruce)

Again, Jesus uses this as a teachable moment for Philip by asking him how they would get bread to feed all these people. Since Mark mentions he had been teaching them all day, it would make sense for him to be concerned about how hungry they might be  (Bruce) 

It confirms there are lots of people, because Philip questions how they can number one afford it. And number two, where can they find enough bread to buy it all. Even if they had six months of wages, which is a lot of money, he can’t see it happening.  

Though Philip has seen many of Jesus’ miracles he can’t translate it to their current situation. 

What miracle do you need to trust Jesus for today? It could be emotional, physical or a need for provision? How can seeing what Jesus has done in the past give you faith that he can meet your current need? 










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