Feeding the 5000

4TH and 1
Part 12: The Miracles and The Message

Feeding the Masses (6:1-15, 22-34)

1. The crowd seemed more interested in what Jesus could offer them (miracles) and be for them (a political savior) than in Jesus’ true mission. They didn’t want a savior who would be broken and bloodied by the Romans.

2. The miracle presents Jesus as a great provider for His people, even greater than Elisha (2 Kings 4:42-44).

3. Indeed, Jesus is portrayed, here, as a new and greater Moses (see 6:3-5, 13-15, 32-34).

Walking on Water (6:16-21)

1. The 4th Gospel includes this story, most likely, because it was traditionally linked to the feeding of the masses, but the author doesn’t provide as much detail as the Synoptics.

2. The story is another strong hint toward Jesus identity (Job 9:8, ‘It is I,’ and ‘do not be afraid’).

From Father to Son (6:28-48)

1. Jesus states that what God requires is that we believe in the One He has sent (Jesus, the Messiah). They should have been focusing more on Jesus and not on works/miracles.

2. Calvinists believe that this chapter contains some of their strongest proof-texts (v. 37, 39, 44, 65), but the point of these verses is the continuity between the Father and the Son. It is a christological more than soteriological passage.
Eating Flesh & Drinking Blood (6:49-58)

1. Jesus speaks of Himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament imagery. Whereas the manna from Moses only provided temporary life, Jesus provided eternal life.

2. Though some use this text to argue that the Lord’s Supper involves Jesus’ actual flesh and blood, the passage is not actually talking about Holy Communion at this point. Eating Jesus’ body and drinking His blood has already been equated with coming to Jesus and believing in Him (v. 35).

3. Indeed, John 6 is not about the Lord’s Supper, the Lord’s Supper is about what is described in John 6 (D.A. Carson).

Many Disciples Desert (6:59-71)

1. Some of the disciples found Jesus’ teaching difficult to stomach and offensive. They had a hard time believing that He was truly from Heaven (and not simply from Nazareth). They were offended by the idea of eating his flesh and drinking his blood (either because they took it too literally or because it meant that the Messiah would die).

2. Rather than trying to make up for his offensive speech, Jesus wonders what they will think of His being lifted up on the cross and ascending back to the Father.

3. Jesus urges His listeners to interpret His words spiritually.

4. Jesus was not alarmed that many of His disciples stopped following Him. Indeed, He knew from the beginning who had a superficial faith and who had a faith that would last.