A great crowd followed Jesus to a hillside by the Sea of Galilee. They had seen Him heal the sick, and they wanted more. With thousands of hungry people and no food in sight, Jesus fed them all from one boy’s small lunch. The next day the crowd chased Him across the lake, hoping for another free meal. Jesus used the moment to teach them something deeper. He did not only give bread. He is the bread. This passage asks why we follow Jesus and what we are truly hungry for.
Little in His Hands
Jesus asked Philip where they could buy bread for so many. He already knew what He would do, but He was testing Philip. Philip did the math and said two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be enough. Andrew found a lad with five barley loaves and two small fishes, but added, what are they among so many? (John 6:5-9). Jesus had the people sit down. He gave thanks and shared the food until everyone was full, and twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered (John 6:10-13). The boy’s lunch was small, but in Jesus’ hands it was more than enough. God asks, who hath despised the day of small things? (Zechariah 4:10). Do not look down on what you have. Your little time, skill or offering, placed in the hands of Jesus, can feed many.
What small gift, skill or resource will you offer to Jesus for His use in our church or community this week?
Why Are We Following?
After the miracle, the people wanted to make Jesus king by force, so He went away alone to a mountain (John 6:14-15). The next day the crowd found Him. Jesus told them plainly that they were seeking Him not because of the signs, but because they ate the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for food that perishes, He said, but for the food that lasts to everlasting life (John 6:26-27). This is a hard but honest word. It is possible to follow Jesus mainly for what He can give us: jobs, healing, visas or answers to prayer. He does care about those needs. But He wants us to seek Him first. Jesus taught us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Paul says to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).
When you look at your prayer list this week, how will you add time simply to worship Jesus for who He is?
Bread That Satisfies
The crowd asked what work they must do to please God. Jesus answered that the work of God is to believe on Him whom God has sent (John 6:28-29). They mentioned the manna their fathers ate in the desert. Jesus said the true bread from heaven is the One who comes down and gives life to the world. Then He declared, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger (John 6:31-35). Long ago Moses taught that man does not live by bread only, but by every word from the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus quoted this when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4). Our souls were made for God. Money, success and even good relationships leave us hungry again. Only Jesus fills the deepest hunger of the heart.
What daily habit of feeding on Jesus through Scripture will you build into your mornings this week?
Conclusion
On a hillside, Jesus multiplied a boy’s lunch and showed that little is much in His hands. Then He gently challenged the crowd’s motives. They wanted bread, but He offered Himself. He is the true bread from heaven, given for the life of the world. Coming to Him and believing in Him is how we are fed. The same invitation stands today. Bring Him your little. Follow Him for who He is, not only for what He gives. And come to Him daily, because only He satisfies.
Share this study
Send it to a friend, your family group or your cell group. The link opens this week’s study on any phone.