The Feeding of the Five Thousand 1After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). 2A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. 3Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples. 4Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near. 5When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. 7Philip answered, “Two hundred denariia would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.” 8One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9“Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?” 10“Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. 12And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” 13So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. 14When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed,b they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself. Jesus Walks on Water 16When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. 18A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles,c they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. 20But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading. Jesus the Bread of Life 22The next day, the crowd that had remained on the other side of the sea realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not boarded it with His disciples, but they had gone away alone. 23However, some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Him. 25When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” 26Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” 28Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” 30So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? 31Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’d” 32Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34“Sir,” they said, “give us this bread at all times.” 35Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst. 36But as I stated, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. 37Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. 39And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” 41At this, the Jews began to grumble about Jesus because He had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42They were asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus replied. 44“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’e Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me— 46not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father. 47Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.” 52At this, the Jews began to argue among themselves, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” 53So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever.” Many Disciples Turn Back 59Jesus said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60On hearing it, many of His disciples said, “This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?” 61Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching, Jesus asked them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before? 63The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.) 65Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.” 66From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. Peter’s Confession of Faith 67So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” 68Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.f” 70Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus. Footnotes: 7 a A denarius was customarily a day’s wage for a laborer; see Matthew 20:2. 14 b SBL, NA, NE, and WH He had performed 19 c Greek about twenty-five or thirty stadia; that is, approximately 2.87 to 3.45 miles (4.62 to 5.55 kilometers) 31 d Psalm 78:24; see also Exodus 16:4. 45 e Isaiah 54:13 69 f BYZ and TR You are the Christ, the Son of the living God Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  John 6 Summary Jesus the Bread of LifeVerses 1–15 – The Feeding of the Five Thousand Verses 16–21 – Jesus Walks on the Sea Verses 22–27 – The Crowd Seeks Jesus Verses 28–40 – The Bread of Life Discourse, Part 1 Verses 41–51 – Grumbling and Clarification Verses 52–59 – Flesh and Blood Teachings Verses 60–66 – Many Disciples Turn Back Verses 67–71 – Peter’s Confession of Faith John 6 unfolds with miraculous events: the feeding of 5000 and Jesus walking on water. These miracles lead to a crowd seeking Jesus, to whom He presents Himself as the Bread of Life. As He delves deeper into this teaching, the crowd and even some of His disciples exhibit mixed reactions, bringing the complexity of faith and unbelief into focus. Historical and Geographic Background • The Passover (v. 4) set the calendar context—springtime, national reflection on deliverance from Egypt. • Bethsaida’s plain offers broad grass-covered slopes; fits the large crowd description (v. 10). Excavations at et-Tell reveal a sizeable fishing village matching Bethsaida’s profile. • The Sea of Galilee, 700 ft below sea level, is notorious for sudden winds funneled through surrounding hills—explaining the disciples’ struggle (v. 18). • Roman-built Tiberias (v. 23) lay on the western shore. Boats from there corroborate the narrative’s realism. Miracle of the Loaves and Fish 1. Foreshadowing Manna: Compare Exodus 16 and Psalm 78:24—“He rained down manna for them to eat.” Jesus provides bread freely, echoing God’s wilderness care. 2. Echo of Elisha: 2 Kings 4:42-44 records Elisha feeding a hundred men with twenty loaves, establishing a prophetic pattern Jesus far exceeds. 3. Twelve Baskets: Likely hand-woven lunch baskets owned by the disciples, one for each, stressing both order and sufficiency. Walking on Water: Significance • “It is I” (Greek ἐγώ εἰμι, egō eimi) mirrors God’s “I AM” in Exodus 3:14, hinting at divine identity. • Mastery over nature links to Psalm 107:29—“He calms the storm to a whisper.” • Immediate landfall (v. 21) portrays complete authority over time and space. Motives Exposed—Seeking Signs vs. True Faith Crowd motivation: free meals and nationalistic hope for a political Messiah (v. 15, 26). Jesus redirects: faith placed in His person, not merely His power (v. 29). Isaiah 55:1-2 invites the thirsty to lasting bread; Jesus fulfills that promise. Jesus the Bread of Life Key points: • Present tense “am” points to ongoing supply, unlike the past manna. • Four times Jesus pledges resurrection “at the last day” (vv. 39-40, 44, 54), anchoring present trust to future hope. • Coming, looking, believing (vv. 35-40) are parallel ideas—active reliance, not mere curiosity. Eating Flesh and Drinking Blood Explained • Figurative language comparable to Jeremiah 15:16—“Your words were found, and I ate them.” • Points forward to His atoning death (John 19:34) and later remembrance in the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20), though the discourse predates the meal. • Life is received, not earned—a theme reinforced by Ephesians 2:8-9. Responses: Faith, Offense, Betrayal • Many leave: prophecy of Isaiah 53:3—“He was despised and rejected.” • The Twelve stay: Peter’s confession parallels Matthew 16:16. • Judas remains physically present yet spiritually resistant (v. 64), showing proximity does not equal faith. Messianic Expectations and Political Pressure The miracle recalls Deuteronomy 18:15—“The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me.” The crowd equates food in the wilderness with Moses and assumes the Messiah will supply national needs. Jesus refuses the shortcut, choosing the cross over a crown obtained by popularity. Archaeological Insights • Synagogue of Capernaum: black basalt foundation from the first century lies beneath the later white-limestone synagogue tourists see today. The discourse likely occurred in that original structure (v. 59). • Fishing technology: First-century boats discovered near Migdal show capacity for thirteen men—matching the apostolic band—affirming the plausibility of their night voyage. Practical Application for Today • Seek the Giver, not just His gifts. Gratitude for daily provision should lead to deeper hunger for eternal life. • Storms reveal Jesus’ presence. Life’s headwinds become classrooms for trust when He steps in with “Do not be afraid.” • Hard sayings sort real disciples from casual listeners. When Scripture confronts modern sensibilities, allegiance to Jesus must outweigh comfort. • Faith that endures centers on who Jesus is—“the Holy One of God” (v. 69)—not on shifting cultural expectations. Scripture Connections at a Glance • Exodus 16; Psalm 78 – Manna motif. • Psalm 107:23-32 – God stills the sea. • Isaiah 55:1-2 – Invitation to satisfying bread. • Jeremiah 31:31-34 – New covenant anticipated in internalized relationship. • 1 Corinthians 10:3-4 – Christ as spiritual food and drink. • Revelation 2:17 – “Hidden manna” promised to overcomers, completing the theme. Key Verses to Memorize • John 6:35 – “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.” • John 6:68 – “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” • John 6:29 – “This is the work of God: that you believe in the One He has sent.” Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 16:4-5The provision of manna in the wilderness as a foreshadowing of Jesus, the true Bread from Heaven. Matthew 4:4 Jesus' teaching on the necessity of living by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Philippians 4:19 Assurance of God's provision for all our needs according to His riches in glory. Teaching Points The Miracle of ProvisionJohn 6:11 - Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated, as much as they wanted; and He did the same with the fish. Jesus demonstrates His divine power and compassion by feeding the multitude, illustrating that He is the provider of all our needs. Jesus, the Bread of Life John 6:35 - Jesus answered, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.' Jesus declares Himself as essential for spiritual life, emphasizing belief in Him as the source of eternal satisfaction. The Call to Faith John 6:29 - Jesus replied, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.' Faith in Jesus is the fundamental requirement for receiving eternal life, not merely performing works. Eternal Security John 6:39-40 - And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Jesus assures believers of their eternal security, promising resurrection and eternal life to those who trust in Him. Practical Applications Trust in God's ProvisionRely on God to meet both your physical and spiritual needs, knowing that He cares for you and provides abundantly. Seek Spiritual Nourishment Prioritize your relationship with Jesus, the Bread of Life, through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Live by Faith Cultivate a life of faith, trusting in Jesus' promises and His ability to sustain you through life's challenges. Share the Bread of Life Be proactive in sharing the gospel with others, inviting them to experience the spiritual fulfillment found in Christ. People 1. JesusThe central figure in John 6, Jesus performs miracles, such as feeding the 5,000 and walking on water. He also delivers the Bread of Life discourse, emphasizing His divine nature and mission. 2. Philip One of Jesus' disciples, Philip is specifically mentioned when Jesus tests him by asking where to buy bread for the crowd (John 6:5-7). His response highlights the logistical challenge of feeding so many people. 3. Andrew Another disciple, Andrew, is the brother of Simon Peter. He points out the boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus (John 6:8-9), demonstrating his role in facilitating the miracle of feeding the multitude. 4. Simon Peter Although not directly involved in the feeding miracle, Simon Peter is mentioned later in the chapter when he professes faith in Jesus, acknowledging Him as "the Holy One of God" (John 6:68-69). 5. The Boy While not named, the boy with five barley loaves and two fish plays a crucial role in the miracle of feeding the 5,000 (John 6:9). His small offering becomes the basis for a significant demonstration of Jesus' power. 6. The Crowd The multitude that follows Jesus is a significant group in this chapter. They are fed by the miracle and later seek Jesus, leading to His teaching on the Bread of Life (John 6:2, 24-26). 7. The Twelve Disciples While not all individually named in this chapter, the Twelve are present and play a role in distributing the food during the feeding miracle (John 6:12-13) and later in the narrative when some disciples turn away (John 6:66-67). 8. Judas Iscariot Mentioned at the end of the chapter, Judas Iscariot is identified as the one who would betray Jesus (John 6:71). This foreshadows his future actions and highlights the tension within the group of disciples. Places 1. Sea of Galilee (also called the Sea of Tiberias)John 6:1: "After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias)." This body of water is a significant location in Jesus' ministry. The Sea of Galilee is known for its role in various miracles and teachings of Jesus. The alternative name, Sea of Tiberias, reflects the influence of Roman culture, as Tiberias was a city built by Herod Antipas and named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. 2. Mountain John 6:3: "Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples." The specific mountain is not named, but mountains in the biblical context often serve as places of teaching, prayer, and significant events. In this instance, it is where Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5,000. 3. Capernaum John 6:17: "got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them." Capernaum is a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry in Galilee and is frequently mentioned in the Gospels as a place where Jesus taught and performed miracles. Events 1. Feeding of the Five ThousandJesus performs the miracle of feeding five thousand men with five barley loaves and two fish. This event demonstrates Jesus' divine provision and foreshadows the spiritual nourishment He provides. (John 6:1-14) 2. Walking on Water Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee to meet His disciples during a storm, revealing His authority over nature and His divine identity. (John 6:16-21) 3. The Crowd Seeks Jesus The crowd follows Jesus to Capernaum, seeking more signs and physical sustenance, showing their misunderstanding of His true mission. (John 6:22-25) 4. Jesus, the Bread of Life Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life," emphasizing that belief in Him leads to eternal life. This statement connects to the Greek word "zoe" (ζωή), meaning life, highlighting the spiritual life He offers. (John 6:26-40) 5. Murmuring of the Jews The Jews murmur against Jesus' claim of being the bread that came down from heaven, reflecting their disbelief and misunderstanding of His divine origin. (John 6:41-42) 6. Teaching on Eating His Flesh and Drinking His Blood Jesus teaches about the necessity of spiritually partaking in His flesh and blood, symbolizing the acceptance of His sacrifice for eternal life. This teaching is challenging and causes division. (John 6:53-58) 7. Many Disciples Turn Back Many of Jesus' disciples find His teaching difficult and choose to no longer follow Him, illustrating the cost of true discipleship. (John 6:60-66) 8. Peter's Confession of Faith Peter, speaking for the Twelve, affirms their faith in Jesus as the Holy One of God, recognizing His words as the source of eternal life. (John 6:67-69) 9. Jesus Foretells His Betrayal Jesus alludes to His future betrayal by one of the Twelve, foreshadowing Judas Iscariot's role in the events leading to the crucifixion. (John 6:70-71) Topics 1. Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)This passage describes the miraculous feeding of a large crowd with five loaves and two fish. Jesus demonstrates His divine provision and compassion. The Greek word "εὐχαριστήσας" (eucharistēsas) is used in verse 11, meaning "having given thanks," which is significant in understanding the act of blessing the food. 2. Jesus Walks on Water (John 6:16-21) Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee to meet His disciples, showcasing His authority over nature. The Greek term "ἐφοβήθησαν" (ephobēthēsan) in verse 19, meaning "they were afraid," highlights the disciples' initial fear, which is calmed by Jesus' presence. 3. The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:22-59) Jesus teaches about being the "bread of life," emphasizing spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance. The Greek word "ζωή" (zōē), meaning "life," is central to this discourse, underscoring the eternal life Jesus offers. 4. Reactions to Jesus' Teachings (John 6:60-66) Many disciples find Jesus' teachings difficult and choose to leave. The Greek word "σκληρός" (sklēros) in verse 60, meaning "hard" or "difficult," reflects the challenge of accepting Jesus' message. 5. Peter's Confession of Faith (John 6:67-71) Despite others leaving, Peter affirms faith in Jesus as the Holy One of God. The Greek term "ῥήματα ζωῆς αἰωνίου" (rhēmata zōēs aiōniou) in verse 68, meaning "words of eternal life," highlights the disciples' recognition of Jesus' divine authority and truth. Themes 1. Jesus as the Bread of LifeIn John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This theme emphasizes Jesus as the spiritual sustenance necessary for eternal life, drawing from the Greek word "ἄρτος" (artos), meaning bread, which signifies nourishment and sustenance. 2. Faith and Belief in Jesus The chapter repeatedly stresses the importance of faith, as seen in John 6:29: "Jesus replied, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.'" The Greek word "πιστεύω" (pisteuō) is used for belief, highlighting trust and reliance on Jesus for salvation. 3. Divine Provision and Miracles The feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) illustrates God's provision through Jesus. The miracle demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and compassion, as He multiplies the loaves and fishes to feed the multitude, symbolizing God's ability to meet both physical and spiritual needs. 4. Eternal Life through Jesus John 6:40 states, "For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." This theme underscores the promise of eternal life for believers, rooted in the Greek word "αἰώνιος" (aiōnios), meaning everlasting. 5. The Sovereignty of God in Salvation In John 6:44, Jesus says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." This theme highlights God's sovereign role in the process of salvation, emphasizing that coming to faith is initiated by God’s drawing, using the Greek word "ἕλκω" (helkō), meaning to draw or attract. 6. The Rejection and Acceptance of Jesus The chapter also deals with the mixed responses to Jesus' teachings. In John 6:66, it is noted, "From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him." This theme reflects the division between those who accept and those who reject Jesus' message. 7. The Sacrificial Nature of Jesus' Mission Jesus speaks of giving His flesh for the life of the world in John 6:51: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh." This points to the sacrificial aspect of His mission, foreshadowing His crucifixion. 8. The Necessity of Spiritual Understanding In John 6:63, Jesus explains, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." This theme emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment to understand Jesus' teachings, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing truth. Answering Tough Questions 1. John 6:5–13: How can the feeding of thousands with just five loaves and two fish be accepted without historical or scientific evidence for a large-scale miracle event? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' miracle of feeding the 5000 impact your understanding of God's providence? 2. What does Jesus walking on water teach you about His control over nature and circumstances? 3. How does Jesus' teaching of Himself as the Bread of Life deepen your understanding of His mission? 4. How do the mixed reactions to Jesus' Bread of Life discourse reflect different approaches to faith and unbelief? 5. What can you learn from Simon Peter's steadfast faith in Jesus? 6. How does Jesus' ability to satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst relate to your spiritual needs? 7. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe in Him? 8. How can you relate to the disciples' fear during the storm on the Sea of Galilee and their comfort when Jesus appears? 9. How does the crowd's attempt to make Jesus king contrast with Jesus' own understanding of His mission? 10. In your life, how can you seek Jesus as the Bread of Life, rather than merely seeking His miracles? 11. How does the crowd's reaction to Jesus' teaching challenge your understanding of faith and spiritual maturity? 12. How can Simon Peter's affirmation of faith inspire you in times of spiritual difficulty or doubt? 13. Why do you think Jesus' Bread of Life discourse was difficult for many of His disciples to accept? 14. How does the idea of Jesus as the Bread of Life influence your understanding of the Eucharist or Communion? 15. How can the miracles in this chapter enhance your trust in God's power and provision in your life? 16. How can you apply the principle of Jesus' satisfaction of spiritual hunger and thirst in your daily life? 17. How would you respond to spiritual teachings that you find difficult to understand or accept? 18. How does Simon Peter's response to Jesus' question reflect his understanding of who Jesus is? 19. What practical steps can you take to develop a faith like Simon Peter's, steadfast and focused on Jesus? 20. How can the reactions of the crowd and disciples in this chapter help you navigate your own faith journey and interactions with others about faith? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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