Teaching Library
Jesus shows us who He is // John 6:1-15
The feeding of the 5,000 reveals profound truths about Jesus' identity and character. Starting with just five loaves and two fish, Jesus created enough food to feed thousands with abundant leftovers. This miraculous act demonstrated His divine nature as Creator, the promised Prophet, and compassionate Shepherd. The event teaches that God's power transcends human limitations and logic, while emphasizing that true faith must focus on Jesus Himself rather than just His miraculous works.
Preaching Christ: More Than Interpretation
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A Way of Thinking
Preaching Christ is not just an interpretive principle but a way of thinking and living that governs everything we say and do.
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A Way of Feeling
Preaching Christ places grace before works, being loved before being expected to love, and finds our identity secure in Him.
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A Way of Living
Preaching Christ motivates us to obey because love is a more powerful motivator than fear. We serve not because we're afraid, but because we love Jesus.
The Feeding of the 5,000
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The Setting
Jesus went to the Sea of Galilee (also called Sea of Tiberias) after John the Baptist's beheading. He withdrew to grieve but was followed by crowds.
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The Need
With 5,000 men plus women and children present, Jesus asked Philip how they would feed everyone. Philip said, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” John 6:7
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The Miracle
Jesus took five barley loaves and two fish from a boy, gave thanks, and multiplied them to feed everyone with twelve baskets left over.
Jesus Shows Us Who He Is
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. John 6:10–13

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Compassionate Shepherd
Despite His grief, Jesus had compassion on the crowds "like sheep without a shepherd."

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Creator God
Jesus created bread and fish that never grew or swam - pure creation untainted by sin.

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The Better Moses
Like Moses providing manna, Jesus provides bread in the wilderness.

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The Better Manna
Unlike the manna in the wilderness, Jesus, the bread of life, bring complete satisfaction.

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Promised Prophet
The people recognized Him as "the prophet who is to come" - fulfilling Deuteronomy 18:15-19.
The people saw Jesus in the Old Testament
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the LORD said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Jesus warns about seeking signs & wonders
An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign… Matthew 12:39
Signs vs. Truth
The crowds sought miracles, not Jesus himself. They came for signs, not for truth.
And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. John 6:2
Messianic Markers
Miraculous signs were given to validate Jesus as Messiah, not as ends in themselves.
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” Mark 2:10–11
True Christian Markers
Christians are marked by love and by our message of Christ crucified, not by miraculous powers.
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. 1 John 3:23–24
Jesus Withdraws from Power and Fame
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. John 6:15
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Popularity Offered
After witnessing his miracles, the crowd wanted to make Jesus king by force.
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Power Refused
Unlike modern "miracle workers" who seek fame, Jesus withdrew from the crowd.
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Purpose Maintained
Jesus remained focused on His Father's will rather than human acclaim.
Jesus Withholds Vengeance to Give Grace

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Filled with Grief
Jesus had just lost John the Baptist to Herod, yet the people demanded more miracles.
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Opportunity
In that moment, Jesus could have claimed kingship over those 5000 men, formed an army, and sought vengance against Herod for the murder of John the Baptist.
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Restraint
Jesus chose to withhold vengeance, following His Father's timing.
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Grace
He chose the path to the cross so vengeance could fall on Him instead of sinners.
Jesus: The Bread of Life
Spiritual Nourishment
Jesus is the bread of life who satisfies our spiritual hunger completely.
Abundant Provision
The twelve baskets of leftovers show God's overflowing goodness to His people.
Transforming Love
Feasting on Christ changes how we think and live, fueling our obedience through love.