Feeding a large crowd
The notes in italics are for you, as leader, to introduce as and if appropriate.
Some background information (use as appropriate)– probably about a year has passed since Jesus cleansed the Temple (2.13ff). This 6th chapter is the only section of teaching in John’s Gospel which is set in Galilee. Many Galileans lived close to the soil and laboured hard for a subsistence wage. They were very much concerned with down-to-earth matters of food and the means of livelihood. This was in contract to the more sophisticated audiences Jesus had encountered in Judea; their concerns were more theoretical – the fulfilment of scriptural prophecies, wrangling about the law, and the claims of Jesus. This is the only sign/miracle (other than Jesus’ resurrection) which appears in all 4 gospels, indicating its importance in the minds of the early Christian writers.
The other gospels make it clear that Jesus was seeking privacy (cf Mark 6.31). The disciples had just completed a successful preaching tour and were also in need of rest. Jesus took them to an area known today as the Golan Heights.
The reference to the Passover is important (4). The movement from this miracle to the discourse (later in the chapter); from Jesus to Moses; from bread to flesh – this only makes sense if the Passover story governs the whole chapter. Note that Passover was a great patriotic festival which stirred the Jews’ sense of national identity and the desire for freedom from Roman rule.
There would have been many thousands of people making their way to Jerusalem for Passover and it could well have been that a number of those were in the crowd at this time – and filled with religious fervour.
A great study for mathematicians! 5,000 hungry men – so far more than 5,000; 8 months’ wages; 5 loaves; 2 fish; 12 baskets.
STARTER – Have you ever had unexpected visitors come just as you were serving a meal? How did you manage to feed everyone!
What do the opening verses suggest as to the real motive of many who were following Jesus at this time? Do we come to church to “get something” out of worshipping, or do we come to “give something” of ourselves as we worship?
Jesus asked Philip: “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” This was to test Philip – so how did he fail the test? The numbers don’t add up – even if we had 200 denarii (equivalent of 8 months’ wages) then that would not be enough for everyone to have even a bite. Why Philip? It could be that he was from Bethsaida (not far away) and so knew that there was no local supply of food sufficient for such a large crowd.
We read that Jesus “already had in mind what he was going to do” (6). Do you think Jesus already has in mind NOW what he is going to do in our time and generation?
The boy had just enough for a snack – small rolls or “scones” and small fish. The barley crop was mainly used to feed horses and camels, but poorer people used it to make small loaves. The fish would have been no bigger than sardines which were caught, pickled and make into a kind of savoury. What does this say to us when we feel we have little to offer to God?
Do you think that the boy’s food was all that was available? Some have suggested that many others kept the fact that they had food quiet because they were unwilling to share what they had. Is there a danger that we, at times, can hold back from offering help and support to others?
Jesus gave thanks for the food – little as it was. Are we really thankful when we eat, especially knowing that so many in the world go hungry? Should we be ashamed at the amount of food that is simply thrown away in our society? Should we offer thanks to God for the food we are about to eat at meal times?
Anything significant about Jesus asking his disciples to gather up the leftovers? To remind them (perhaps when he was no longer with them) that God can be trusted to defy logic, even when they face what seem to be impossible situations.
What was the crowd’s reaction? (Cf Deut 18.15-19). Wanted to start a military uprising to overthrow the power of Rome and enthrone their Messiah. The Passover had been initiated while the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness and where God had miraculously fed them with manna. It was also where Moses had spoken of the “prophet” who was to come. Surely here is a “second Moses”, our long awaited deliverer?
Anything significant about Jesus’ response (15)? Is there an echo back to the temptations of Jesus (Matt 4.8ff) when he was tempted to pursue a political route and by-pass the cross?
Some further challenges:
Do you think that this miracle really happened as recorded in all four gospels? Consider Colossians 1.16 as you answer this question.
When God calls us to do the equivalent of feeding 5,000 hungry people, will we step out in faith with God’s calculator (rather than our own abacus), believing that he will balance the sums for us?
When we have opportunities to give financially to support the increase of God’s kingdom, will we look at the 5 loaves and 2 fish we will lose – or at the 12 baskets of leftovers we will gain?
“People wish to remain quiet, in the peaceful little Church under the high Gothic arches; they would brood about God and be preoccupied with the needs of their own souls. They do not want to be shocked by the bewildering idea that there are still many hundreds of millions of people who have never heard the gospel.” (J H Bavinck, 1960). Do you think the question Jesus asked Philip (5) is a question Jesus is asking of his Church today? There is a need to provide “food” – both physical and spiritual – to the hungry. Perhaps we too easily look at the need, look at our limited resources, and step back in hopelessness.
PRAYER
You might like to spend a little time reflecting on the amount of food we waste, day by day. What does God think about that?
Pray for the work of the many food banks throughout our country, and especially for the one supported by our church.
Pray for the work of those agencies which seek to provide essential aid and support to the many millions of people throughout the world who go hungry day after day – and consider whether as a group you can do something positive.