To read—St. John vi. 1-14. Golden Text—Ver. 35.
Christ and disciples have returned to Galilee. The fame of His miracles and teaching spreads. Multitudes crowd to see and hear Him. The annual Feast of Passover is coming on. Large bodies of pilgrims going up to Jerusalem attract Christ's notice. They are fed and taught.
I. The Multitude (1-7). Their desire for Christ. Why did they come to Him? Some from curiosity—to see this famous Man; or because sick, hoping they might be healed; or from gratitude—having received benefits from Him. Christ does not court popularity; seeks retirement; goes up a hill with disciples for privacy and rest; there sits down and talks with them. From there sees crowd of pilgrims. Must do something for them.
Christ's desire for them. Their wants call out His sympathy—they need food. Their helplessness moves His pity. Whence obtain supplies in wilderness far from home? Their ignorance makes Him long to teach them (St. Matt. ix. 36). What does He do! Tests His disciple Philip of Bethsaida (i. 44), who ought to know the resources of the district. Philip makes mental calculation of cost of feeding them. It will take two hundred pence (about £7, taking the denarius or penny as worth 7d., an ordinary day's wages, Matt. xx. 2). But the Lord knew what He would do.
II. The Miracle (8-13). Many points to be noticed. The lad's offering—probably the meal provided for Christ and disciples. Five barley-bread loaves and two small fishes. But five thousand to be fed! Man's extremity is God's opportunity.
Christ's command. People to rest, sit in rows.
Giving thanks to God Who giveth food to all.
Distribution by disciples, His almoners to the poor.
Sufficient and to spare. None went empty away.