John 6:1-15 Feeding of the 5000
This is a story that has a central role in the teachings of Jesus and about Jesus. The feeding of the 5000 appears in all 4 Gospels. It is not the same in each, and we probably know the synoptic version better. Let’s listen to John tell it.
Jesus crosses the sea of Galilee, and the crowd follows him. Passover was near (John cares about that). Here Jesus asks Philip how they are going to feed all these people. Philip responds with how much it would cost, and Andrew finds some food, but is convinced it isn’t enough. As it turns out, there is more than enough. There are leftovers – 1 basket per disciple. The people then see that he is a prophet and want to give him power. Jesus leaves, rather than be crowned.
Why is this miracle such a big deal? Why does everyone share it in their narrative of Jesus? What grabs your attention in this passage? What makes it a miracle?
