John 6:1-14

The Voice

6 Once this had transpired, Jesus made His way to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (which some these days call the Sea of Tiberias). ² As Jesus walked, a large crowd pursued Him hoping to see new signs and miracles; His healings of the sick and lame were garnering great attention. ³ Jesus went up a mountain and found a place to sit down and teach. His disciples gathered around. ⁴ The celebration of the Passover, one of the principal Jewish feasts, would take place soon. ⁵ But when Jesus looked up, He could see an immense crowd coming toward Him. Jesus approached Philip.

⁶ Jesus knew what He was planning to do, but He asked Philip nonetheless. He had something to teach, and it started with a test.

⁸ Andrew, the disciple who was Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up.

They all sat together on a large grassy area. Those counting the people reported approximately 5,000 men—not including the women and children—sitting in the crowd. ¹¹ Jesus picked up the bread, gave thanks to God, and passed it to everyone. He repeated this ritual with the fish. Men, women, and children all ate until their hearts were content. ¹² When the people had all they could eat, He told the disciples to gather the leftovers.

¹³ They filled 12 baskets with fragments of the five barley loaves. ¹⁴ After witnessing this sign that Jesus did, the people stirred in conversation.