John: The Mountain and the Sea

John 6:1-21

The Sea of Galilee is one of my favorite places we visit on our Living Grounded Bible immersion trips to Israel. It’s an experience like no other to visit the Holy Land; however, there’s something special about this spot for me. While on the water, we connect with the Word, worship together, and enjoy breathtaking views. It’s truly a unique experience. 

The Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias, is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth. It measures thirteen miles from north to south and eight miles from east to west at its widest point. The sea is a landmark for many events in Jesus’ life and ministry. It is the location for today’s passage in John 6. 

After Jesus’ discussion with the religious leaders (John 5:18-47), we see that he traveled with his disciples by boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The phrase “after this” in John 6:1 is a vague reference to time. John notes that the events in today’s passage occurred close to the time of Passover (John 6:4). Therefore, several months have passed since John 5 (see John 5:1). 

The discourse with the Jewish leaders took place in Jerusalem, but John doesn’t mention anything about a return trip to Capernaum, the Galilean headquarters of Jesus’ ministry. This supports John’s main purpose for writing his account. He emphasizes that Jesus is the Messiah, and the only way to have a relationship with God the Father (John 20:30-31). 

In John 2-11, the apostle records seven signs or proofs that Jesus is the Messiah. We have looked at three of these miracles: turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), healing the official’s son who was near death (John 4:46-54), and healing the man who had been lame for 38 years (John 5:1-15). Today’s passage covers signs four and five: the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus supernaturally walking on the water. 

Feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-15)
When Jesus reached the other side of the Sea of Galilee, he went up on a mountain to spend needed private time with his disciples (John 6:3). However, because of Jesus’ popularity and “the signs that he was doing on the sick” (John 6:2), securing time alone with the twelve was difficult. 

Jesus saw the large crowd that had followed him and was now gathering at the foot of the mountain. In his interaction with his disciples, he asked an unexpected question. Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” (John 6:5) The request was to test Philip, since Jesus already knew what he was going to do (John 6:6).

Although Philip did not know the exact number of people in the crowd (it turned out to be 5,000 men plus women and children), he understood that feeding such a large group would be costly. He replied, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little” (John 6:7). A denarius was a day’s wage for most workers, so Philip estimated the cost to be about eight months’ wages for the average worker. 

Andrew participated in the conversation and noted that the only food he saw was five barley loaves and two fish brought by a boy, but he acknowledged it would do very little to feed so many people (John 6:8-9). 

Jesus instructed the disciples to have the crowd sit down. He took the loaves and fish from the boy’s lunch, gave thanks, and then had the disciples start passing out the food. Everyone was to get as much as they wanted (John 6:11). Not only did the people eat until they were full, but there were twelve baskets filled with leftovers

John 6:14
When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

This was referring to a prophecy by Moses, where the great leader said, “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” (Deut. 18:15). The miraculous provision of food reminded them of God’s provision of manna during Moses’ time. They had found their Prophet, and he gave them their fill of food!

Jesus knows when someone is simply captivated by the blessings versus genuinely trusting in him as their Savior.

John 6:15
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. 

The Storm and the Sign (John 6:16-21)
The gospel writer Matthew tells us that Jesus directed his disciples to get in the boat and go back to the other side of the lake. He dismissed the crowd and went up on the mountain to pray alone (Matt. 14:22-23). Here’s what happened next.

John 6:16-20a
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.  The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened.

Can you even imagine!? John says that it was dark, around 3:00-6:00 in the morning (Matt. 14:25). Matthew says that they were “a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them” (Matt. 14:24). Mark adds that the wind was so strong, they were barely making headway (Mk. 6:48).

Then they saw Jesus! Walking on the water! They thought he was a ghost and were terrified (Matt. 14:26; Mk. 6:49-50).

John 6:20-21
But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. 

Did you catch that? The God of the Universe. The Creator in the flesh. Overriding the natural laws of the water he made and overriding the natural laws of space and time, “immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” The disciples “were utterly astounded” (Mk. 6:51).

One more thing. Matthew’s gospel describes Peter’s unique experience during this encounter with Jesus. We’ll discuss that during the WEEKEND RECHARGE, and I’ll share a link to one of my favorite songs related to this story. 

But for now, let’s think about this incredible miracle and, like the disciples, be “utterly astounded.” When we walk with Jesus, we often hear him say, “It’s me. I am with you. Do not be afraid.”

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on these two signs in John 6:1-21.

Talking to God:  Ask God to help you live “utterly astounded” by his work in your life.

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