John 6:15

Moses had also provided military leadership for the Israelites and had liberated them from the oppression of the Egyptians. These Jews concluded that Jesus could do the same for them and sought to secure His political leadership forcefully. This decision marks the apogee of Jesus’ popularity. Jesus realized their intention and withdrew from the crowd by ascending the mountainside farther by Himself to pray (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46). The time was not right for Him to establish His kingdom on earth.

This sign demonstrated Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, and it prepared for Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59). [Note: See Stephen S. Kim, "The Christological and Eschatological Significance of Jesus’ Passover Signs in John 6," Bibliotheca Sacra 164:655 (July-September 2007):307-22.]

". . . the feeding miracle is understood as falling within the fulfillment of the hope of a second Exodus. This flows together with the thought of the event as a celebration of the feast of the kingdom of God, promised in the Scriptures (Isaiah 25:6-9)." [Note: Beasley-Murray, p. 88.]

Notice that this sign illustrates three solutions to problems that people typically try. First, Philip suggested that money was the solution to the problem (John 6:7). Second, Andrew looked to people for the solution (John 6:9). Third, Jesus proved to be the true solution (John 6:11). A fourth solution appears in the other Gospel accounts of the miracle (Matthew 14:15; Mark 6:36; Luke 9:12): get rid of the problem. The disciples told Jesus to send the people away, to let them fend for themselves (cf. Matthew 15:23).

In satisfying the need of the people, Jesus used what someone made available to Him. In this case, as in most others, He used a very insignificant person, in the sight of other people, with very insignificant resources. Jesus did not create food out of thin air.

"The practical lesson is clear: whenever there is a need, give all that you have to Jesus and let Him do the rest. Begin with what you have, but be sure you give it all to Him." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:309.]