Man of Miracles pt. 2 (JOHN 5–6)

From the Commentary

Since John’s gospel is selective (John 20:30–31), he does not record events in the life of Jesus that do not help him fulfill his purpose. Between the healing of the paralytic (John 5) and the feeding of the five thousand, you have many events taking place, some of which are mentioned in Luke 6:1–9:10 and Mark 3:1–6:30. During this period our Lord preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) and gave the parables of the kingdom (Matt. 13).The feeding of the five thousand was a miracle of such magnitude that it is recorded in all four gospels. A great multitude had been following Jesus for several days, listening to His teaching and beholding His miracles. Jesus had tried to “get away” to rest, but the needs of the crowd pressed on Him (Mark 6:31–34). Because of His compassion, He ministered to the multitude in three different ways.

1. If Jesus already had in His mind what He would do to feed the five thousand, why did He choose to test Philip? What do Philip’s comments to Jesus reveal about him (6:5–7)? How does Andrew’s response compare to Philip’s? Why do you think it was important to note that there were leftovers after everyone was fed?

From the Commentary

Jesus compelled the disciples to get into the boat (Matt. 14:22; Mark 6:45) because He knew they were in danger. The crowd was now aroused, and there was a movement to make Him King. Of course, some of the disciples would have rejoiced at the opportunity to become famous and powerful! Judas would have become treasurer of the kingdom, and perhaps Peter would have been named prime minister! But this was not in the plan of God, and Jesus broke up the meeting immediately. Certainly the Roman government would have stepped in had a movement begun.

2. Read John 6:14–15. How might the crowd have attempted to make Jesus King by force? Why would they want to do this? Are there any parallels to this ideology in today’s church?

From the Commentary

The disciples may have been impressed that so many people stayed through a storm in order to seek their Master, but Jesus was not impressed. He knows the human heart. He knew that the people originally followed Him because of His miracles (John 6:2), but now their motive was to get fed! Even if they were attracted only by the miracles, at least there was still a possibility they might be saved. After all, that is where Nicodemus started (John 3:1–2). But now their interest had degenerated to the level of food.Jesus pointed out that there are two kinds of food: food for the body, which is necessary but not the most important, and food for the inner man, the spirit, which is essential. What the people needed was not food but life, and life is a gift. Food only sustains life, but Jesus gives eternal life. The words of Isaiah come to mind: “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Isa. 55:2 NASB).

3. How does the response of the people to Jesus’ miracle compare to the way people respond to the church today? In what ways does the church provide food for the hungry? How can providing for physical needs lead to a provision for spiritual needs? What does John 6:22–40 teach the church about reaching out to those with various needs?

From the Commentary

Our Lord’s messages recorded in the gospel of John are filled with symbolism and imagery. To take them literally is to make the same mistake the people made who first heard them.

4. Review the symbolism in John 6:48–59, and make a note of the significant symbols. What is the meaning of each symbol? Why do people often miss the point of symbolism in Scripture? What are the challenges in interpreting these symbols? What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping readers understand the symbolism in Scripture?

5. Think about things that cause you pain today (whether they’re physical or emotional). How would you respond if Jesus asked you, “Do you want to be healed?” What would change in your life if you were healed from these painful circumstances? What might you learn if you are not healed?

6. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a miracle? If so, what was it? Why do you think there are fewer miracles today than in the time of the disciples? What purpose did the miracles play then? What purpose would they play today?

7. What does the “bread of life” (6:35) mean to you? What does it mean to you that Jesus promises you’ll never go hungry or be thirsty? What is He saying when He asks you to eat His flesh and drink His blood (6:53)?