John 6:5
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Saw a great company - See this miracle explained at large on Mat 14:13 (note), etc.; Mar 6:31 (note), etc.; Luk 9:10 (note), etc. In speaking of the passovers, and various other matters, it does not appear that John follows any strict chronological order. From Joh 6:15, it appears that our Lord had come down from the mountain, and fed the multitudes in a plain at the foot of it. Saith unto Philip - This, with what follows, to the end of the seventh verse, is not mentioned by any of the other evangelists. Philip was probably the provider for the disciples, as Judas was the treasurer. Whence shall we buy bread - Instead of αγορασομεν, shall we buy, I should read αγορασωμεν, may we buy, which is the reading of ABDEHLS, Mt. VB, and many others. As Philip was of Bethsaida, Joh 1:44; Joh 12:21, he must have been much better acquainted with the country in which they then were than any other of the disciples.
John Gill Bible Commentary
When Jesus then lift up his eyes,.... Being before engaged in close conversation with his disciples, and looking wistly and intently on them, whilst he was discoursing with them: and saw a great company come unto him; who came on foot, over the bridge at Chammath, from Capernaum, and other cities of Galilee: he saith unto Philip; he directed his discourse to him particularly, because he was of Bethsaida, near to which place Christ now was, and therefore might be best able to answer the following question: whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? This, according to the other evangelists, must be said after Christ came from the mountain, and the people were come to him, and he had received them kindly, and had instructed them about the kingdom of God, and had healed the diseased among them, and expressed great compassion for them; and after the disciples had desired him to dismiss them, that they might go to the adjacent towns, and provide food for themselves; which Christ would not admit of and declared it unnecessary, and then put this question, with the following view.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:5 Where can we buy bread: When the Israelites left Egypt following the first Passover and entered the desert, finding food and water was also their first concern (Exod 15:22–16:3).
John 6:5
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
4Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near.5When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?”6But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Passion to Know Him Part One
By K.P. Yohannan2.2K24:57Knowing GodMAT 6:33JHN 6:5In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon encourages listeners to reflect on how they use their time and consider their focus on themselves versus others. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession for those who do not know Jesus. The sermon then shifts to discussing Jesus' heart of compassion, highlighting a specific incident in the Gospel of John chapter 4. Johannon emphasizes the need for personal transformation through the Word of God and encourages listeners to see opportunities to display love and care for others. The sermon concludes by promoting a booklet called "Seeing Him" by K.P. Johannon, which further explores these themes.
(John) His Own Followers Believers
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:10:31Followers Of ChristMAT 6:33JHN 1:10JHN 6:5JHN 10:14JHN 13:1JHN 13:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet as a demonstration of humility and servanthood. The preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus removing his garment and taking on the appearance of a slave to wash the disciples' feet. This act of washing symbolizes the spiritual cleansing that Jesus provides. The preacher also highlights the importance of following Jesus' example and serving others with humility. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the unlimited knowledge of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospel of John.
You Are the Best Christian They Know
By Paris Reidhead1.3K1:04:07WitnessingMAT 5:20MAT 6:33MAT 17:5JHN 6:5JHN 14:6In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to actively listen and learn from the word of God. He refers to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5, where Jesus describes the characteristics of a blessed and happy person. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility and a teachable spirit, using the example of Paul and Silas in prison. Despite being freed from their chains, they chose to stay and save the jailer from punishment. The sermon highlights the need to be open and receptive to God's teachings and to be willing to serve and help others.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
God's Questions Iii (Provision) - Part 1
By John Follette4161:43:05ProvisionMAT 7:21MAT 25:21LUK 10:42LUK 19:17LUK 19:20JHN 6:51CO 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a deep understanding and connection with the word of God. He criticizes those who try to appear knowledgeable without truly understanding the teachings. The preacher then refers to a story from the Bible where Jesus tests Philip by asking him when they will buy bread to feed a large crowd. The preacher highlights that Jesus was not interested in material things or gratitude, but rather in seeing the reflection of his son in people's spirits through the discipline of service. He concludes by discussing the concept of being plowed by God in order to yield a harvest, using the analogy of different types of plows and their impact on our lives.
The Great Shaking - Jesus Is Testing You Right Now
By Phil Beach Jr.341:12:22TestingSurrender to GodTesting of FaithJHN 6:5Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that Jesus is currently testing each of us, revealing the truth about our hearts and our dependence on Him. He encourages the congregation to seek the truth from God rather than the comforting lies of the world, urging them to confront their weaknesses and idols. The sermon highlights the importance of prayer and humility in the face of trials, as well as the necessity of a personal encounter with Jesus to truly understand our spiritual condition. Beach Jr. calls for a commitment to pursue the blesser over the blessings, reminding us that true joy comes from surrendering to God's will, even in times of testing.
Issues of the Heart
By Phil Beach Jr.2045:23Heart ConditionHeartSpiritual IntegrityJHN 6:5Phil Beach Jr. addresses the 'Issues of the Heart,' emphasizing the importance of being responsive to God's word and the tests He places in our lives. He explains that God often asks questions not for information, but to reveal what is in our hearts, as seen in the examples of Philip and Moses. The sermon warns against the dangers of a cold heart due to lawlessness and encourages believers to diligently seek God and keep His commandments to maintain a warm and loving heart. Beach highlights that our responses to God's tests reflect our spiritual integrity and relationship with Him.
Impossible Situations
By David Wilkerson2Trusting God's PlanFaith in GodJHN 6:5David Wilkerson emphasizes the lesson Jesus taught Philip when faced with the impossible task of feeding a multitude. Jesus, aware of the challenges, asked Philip how they would solve the problem, highlighting the importance of faith in seemingly hopeless situations. Wilkerson draws parallels to today's trials, urging believers to trust in God's plan and to respond to their difficulties with faith, acknowledging that nothing is impossible for God. The sermon encourages Christians to relinquish their burdens to Jesus, who has the power to provide solutions beyond human understanding.
Jesus Had a Plan
By David Wilkerson0Surrendering to ChristFaith in God's PlanJHN 6:5David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus had a plan even in seemingly impossible situations, as illustrated in John 6:5-6 when He tests Philip about feeding the multitude. Jesus knew the challenges the apostles faced, including logistical and financial issues, yet He used this moment to teach them about faith and reliance on Him. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize that, like Philip, we often struggle with our problems instead of trusting in Jesus' power and plan. The sermon calls for surrendering our doubts and fears to Christ, acknowledging that He is aware of our circumstances and has a solution. Ultimately, we are reminded to place our trust in Jesus, the miracle worker, who knows what to do with our challenges.
xiv.  on Dedication
By John Sung0Spiritual NourishmentDedicationJHN 6:5John Sung emphasizes the importance of dedication to God through the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. He highlights that in our 'desert' age, many lack spiritual nourishment, and challenges believers to offer what they have, just as the little boy offered his five loaves and two fishes. Sung explains that true dedication involves placing ourselves in Jesus' hands, allowing Him to bless and break us, so we can be used to feed others spiritually. He encourages the congregation to recognize their own gifts and to share them selflessly, leading to abundance and fulfillment in their lives. Ultimately, the message is about surrendering to God for transformation and service.
Whence Shall We Buy Bread
By George Warnock0Dependence on ChristFaith in God's ProvisionJHN 6:5George Warnock emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true source of sustenance for the needs of people, as illustrated in the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. He critiques the tendency to rely on human efforts and resources, like fundraising, to address spiritual and physical hunger, instead highlighting that Jesus' question to Philip was meant to test faith rather than prompt a practical solution. Warnock points out that while some may suggest limited resources, like the boy with five loaves and two fish, the true answer lies in bringing what little we have to Jesus, who can multiply it to meet the needs of many. The sermon calls for a deeper faith in God's provision rather than solely relying on our own understanding and efforts.
The Four Questions of God Part Two - Two Questions From the New Testament
By John Follette0Surrender to GodProvisionJHN 6:5John Follette explores two profound questions posed by Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing that these inquiries are not for His benefit but to provoke a miracle within us. He discusses the theme of 'provision' as Jesus asks Philip about feeding the multitude, highlighting the disciples' tendency to focus on their limitations rather than on Christ's infinite resources. Follette encourages believers to surrender their perceived inadequacies to God, illustrating that true provision comes from recognizing and relying on Jesus, the Bread of Life. He warns against seeking fulfillment in external 'villages' instead of bringing our needs directly to Christ, who desires to transform our offerings into abundant blessings.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Saw a great company - See this miracle explained at large on Mat 14:13 (note), etc.; Mar 6:31 (note), etc.; Luk 9:10 (note), etc. In speaking of the passovers, and various other matters, it does not appear that John follows any strict chronological order. From Joh 6:15, it appears that our Lord had come down from the mountain, and fed the multitudes in a plain at the foot of it. Saith unto Philip - This, with what follows, to the end of the seventh verse, is not mentioned by any of the other evangelists. Philip was probably the provider for the disciples, as Judas was the treasurer. Whence shall we buy bread - Instead of αγορασομεν, shall we buy, I should read αγορασωμεν, may we buy, which is the reading of ABDEHLS, Mt. VB, and many others. As Philip was of Bethsaida, Joh 1:44; Joh 12:21, he must have been much better acquainted with the country in which they then were than any other of the disciples.
John Gill Bible Commentary
When Jesus then lift up his eyes,.... Being before engaged in close conversation with his disciples, and looking wistly and intently on them, whilst he was discoursing with them: and saw a great company come unto him; who came on foot, over the bridge at Chammath, from Capernaum, and other cities of Galilee: he saith unto Philip; he directed his discourse to him particularly, because he was of Bethsaida, near to which place Christ now was, and therefore might be best able to answer the following question: whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? This, according to the other evangelists, must be said after Christ came from the mountain, and the people were come to him, and he had received them kindly, and had instructed them about the kingdom of God, and had healed the diseased among them, and expressed great compassion for them; and after the disciples had desired him to dismiss them, that they might go to the adjacent towns, and provide food for themselves; which Christ would not admit of and declared it unnecessary, and then put this question, with the following view.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:5 Where can we buy bread: When the Israelites left Egypt following the first Passover and entered the desert, finding food and water was also their first concern (Exod 15:22–16:3).