John 6:1–15

Read the passage.

The feeding of the five thousand is interesting because it appears in all four gospels. Take care to not confuse it with the feeding of the four thousand, which happens a bit later, but only recorded by Matthew and Mark. John makes it sound like the miracle happens as soon as the crowd catches up to Jesus, but the other accounts say there was a time of teaching beforehand. Considering the logistics of passing out food to thousands of people, I would not be too surprised to learn that both happened at once.

John is also the only writer to record the crowd’s reaction to being fed so well. “This is indeed the Prophet who has come into the world!” they said. (v. 14) They are referring to the “prophet like Moses” foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15–18. In that this prophet would also be the foretold Messiah, they were correct, but they were going to try to make Him the Messiah they thought He should be right then. Even though Jesus will establish His kingdom over the earth eventually, that was not the correct day to do it. More work needed to be done in the hearts of the people so that all of God’s purposes could be fulfilled.

We thank you for Your provisions each day, and we look forward to Your promises being fulfilled.