READ: John 6:1-15: …Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased
The Lord Jesus is continually showing who He is, why He came to earth, in what form, and with what purpose. Everything He does and says is connected to His great commission from God the Father. We hear the rich Gospel, supported by signs, but also accompanied by warnings.
We also read about the people’s reactions to all this. Some believe, but most reject Him. Yet Jesus continues and even confronts those who reject Him. Through the gospel, He seeks their hearts. No one among His people will be able to say that they never heard of Him or His gospel.
This passage describes a miraculous sign pointing to Jesus’ glorious work of redemption and eternal life, just like the previous sign (the healing of the paralytic). This miracle likely happens about a year after the previous one—both just before the Passover. What happened in between is recorded in the other gospels.
Jesus now reveals Himself as the true Bread, through which true life becomes possible. He is with His disciples near the Sea of Galilee. It’s not the Pharisees and scribes, but the common people who seek Him. They come in great numbers: about five thousand men alone.
They are curious because of His miraculous healings, of which He has already performed several. But this doesn’t mean they accept Him as the Christ who comes to save them from their sins and its consequences. Nor does it mean they want to listen to His gospel. No, they’re interested in more miracles.
Once again, Jesus performs a miracle: the miraculous feeding with only 5 loaves and 2 small fish. After everyone has eaten, 12 baskets of bread are left over. This is so impressive that the people say, “He is the Prophet,” and want to force Him to become King. But Jesus does not want to be made an earthly king by force, so He withdraws.
Was it easier to believe in Jesus when He was on earth?
Sing: Ps. 145:1