John 6:22-25 The CROWD

According to John 6:22-25
The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone. There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus. When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”

COMMENTARY
22. The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone. The next day? They are getting hungry again. Anyway, their hunger or curiosity leads them to look for Jesus. Being on the eastern shore of the Sea, some say in the area of Hippus, they begin to observe: Jesus did not get into the boat with His disciples. 23. There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. While they are pondering the whereabouts of the previous day's miracle worker, some boats come from Tiberias, which is on the western shore. Peculiar note here; they ate and the Lord gave thanks. Interesting? Are miracles often related to the giving of thanks. If thankfulness is an expression of trust, as it was in the five loaves and two fish feeding over 5,000 people, then Jesus' trust was HUGE in the light of impossibility. 24. So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus. The crowd now sets off to the region of Capernaum, which is northwest of the Sea of Galilee. 25. When they found Him on the other side of the sea, If you will seek Jesus, you will find Him. they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” This question by the crowd introduces a major discourse of Jesus. He will not answer their question, but He will reveal to them what they seek. He does not tell them about walking on the water which was a private revelation to His disciples.

SUMMARY
This relatively short paragraph allows us to draw distinctions between the crowd and the disciples of the previous text. Which group describes you? Is Jesus a teacher or is He the I AM, the Ἐγώ εἰμι? Do you seek Him? If so, then what does that look like? What does it sound like?



Need help in following Ἐγώ εἰμι?
Family Life Style Ministries is in existence for that endeavor.
Email: flsministries@bellsouth.net
FaceBook: Family Life Style Ministries
Twitter: flsministries

John 6:15-21 'Ἐγώ εἰμι, Do Not Be Afraid

According to John
Chapter 6, Verses 15-21
So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.
Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

COMMENTARY
Let me begin by asking your indulgence in the fact that this text was separated from the preceding paragraph for presentation purposes. The context of verses 1-14 flow directly to verses 15-21 without any grammatical context division. However, keep in my that John is not giving us an account that is purely chronological, which is evident as we move from verses 1-14 into the next paragraph beginning with verse 15. 15. So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. As we pick up immediately from verse 14 in Chapter 6, Jesus is once again being hounded by those who would make this 'Prophet' a king. Jesus is clearly not taken anywhere by force. No position is never and will never be thrust upon Him. He will never be forced into a loving or compassionate act. This is an often forgotten subtle point of His incarnate position. He IS. Two words in this verse captivate my our attention: "perceiving,' and 'intending." The Greek word which is translated 'perceiving' is Nominative Singular Masculine Aorist Active Participle (hence the 'ing' English ending) from the root word: γινώσκω meaning: to come to know, recognize, perceive, allow, be aware of. The second word 'intending' (μέλλουσιν) is Third Person Plural Present Active Indicative from μέλλω meaning: to be destined or likely to, a strong probability in the present, to be about to. This does not communicate any premeditated gestures on the 'people's' part. The 'take Him' was a practical outcome of their actions and was about to happen. Jesus, once again, retreats to a mountain to escape to practical outcome of their actions. 16. Now (new paragraph) when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea (the Sea of Galilee). 17. and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It is helpful in this story to remember that the disciples were professional fishermen before they began to follow Jesus. The disciples getting in a boat to get to Capernaum was just as normal as us traveling by car, a '66 convertible Mustang, with the top down, from Mallard Head Country Club on Brawley School Road to South Iredell High School in Barium Springs, N. C. No big deal, this is part of my life and this is what I do. In fact, it might even be relaxing to spend some time on the water. I am not attempting to communicate this was just a Sunday afternoon pleasure cruise. They purposed to go to Capernaum, but the trip was not expected to be eventful. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. Darkness, no big deal. The disciples knew this before they set foot in the boat. Jesus not being among them, well, they were fisherman long before they knew Jesus. Therefore, no big deal. You keep driving with the top down on the Mustang and enjoy the star light sky. 18. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Now, this was a normal occurring event added to our Sunday afternoon drive. We are now forced, to become a little less relaxed and to become engaged. The crew of the boat went from some handling the nautical tasks to all of them thinking about the interruptions of their pleasant routing voyage to Capernaum. It was still no big deal. The Sea of Galilee is known for producing sudden storms. The disciple's tactical adjustments are similar to us stopping to put the top up on the convertible, just like you've done hundreds of times before. 19. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, At this point we must abandon our Sunday afternoon drive comparison. The disciple's rowing is labor. Driving a convertible, even with the top up, is not. they saw Jesus walking on the sea Now, this is different! Jesus is not 'standing' as on a rock on near the shore. He is 'walking' on the 'stirred up' sea. and drawing near to the boat; And He is coming this way. He was not just passing by. But, He is coming at them. With each step it is becoming clearer to the disciples who this was and what He was doing. And they were relieved! NO! and they were frightened. These grown men, most of them professional fishermen, were afraid. Their pleasureful, somewhat inopportune voyage led them to be full of fear. They were not afraid of the storm. They were afraid of the sight of Jesus walking on the sea. Can you see the climax in the story? 20. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” One thing that stands out to me in Jesus' only words in this section, is that He declared His identity (ἐγὼ εἰμι) before He gave direction (μὴ φοβεῖσθε). This use of the ἐγὼ εἰμι name is one of the identity declarations Jesus makes of Himself that is welcomed by those in need and vehemently opposed by traditional religious unbelievers. 21So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. Did you notice how their fear transformed into willingness at the sound of His name? This story portrays a private time of Jesus with His disciples in which there is a major change in the disciples. They go from confident life as usual to fear to willingness. They were willing refers to them 'wishing,' 'wishing,' 'loving,' 'decreeing,' and 'ordaining.' They being willing to receive Him refers to their desire 'to take,' 'to take,' 'to receive,' 'to seize,' 'to grasp,' 'to take hold of,' 'to lay hold of,' or 'to get.' Wow, what a change in their perspective. Then, having been changed, they where at the place they were headed.

SUMMARY
This story told by the Apostle John, a professional fisherman, who was probably in the boat, gives us an incredible impact of Jesus on His disciples. The mere mention of His Name, ἐγὼ εἰμι, followed by an assurance command, escorts His disciples from outright fear to a willingness lay hold of Him.

Do you know Him? Are you one of His disciples? Do you find yourself in a familiar vocation, doing what you have always done or set of circumstances like the disciples? If so, then the sight of Him and a vision of His capability will scare you even then. Don't be surprised, rather count on Jesus' presence making you afraid to the point where only the sound of His voice and the hearing of His name calms you and removes your fear, producing a longing for His intimate presence by your side.


How can we help you with your voyage across the 'sea' to your destination? Don't hesitate to contact us.
Email: FLSMinistries@bellsouth.net
Twitter: flsministries
Facebook: Family Life Style Ministries, Inc.
Skype: dan.lane63

John 6:1-14 Are you hungry? Have a seat.

According to John
Chapter 6, Verses 1-14
After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

COMMENTARY
To begin our discussion of this familiar story regarding a miracle of Christ, let me challenge you to think about your personal perspective of this event. As you think of a mountainside with Jesus feeding thousands of people, what do you see through your minds eye? What role are you playing or from which angle are you viewing in this familiar age-old story? There are three possibilities: 1. the view of our Lord in which you see the faces of the disciples and the faces of the crowd; 2. The role of a disciple in which you see the face of Jesus, the faces of the other disciples and the faces of the crowd; 3. The role of one in the crowd, in which you see the face of Jesus, the faces of the disciples, but in this role you see the back of the heads of the crowd, not the faces; Finally, 4. You view this story totally objectively in which you see everyone's face without seeing the back of anyone's head. I am asking you to consider your disposed perspective for it will determine your ability to interpret the miracle. We will revisit these perspectives after we discuss the text in the format of who is speaking.
Although our text, verses 1-14, is one paragraph in the Greek, John narrates this story with a theatrical style. He gives his perspective of the story by laying out the sitz im leben in the first 4 verses. Jesus speaks in verses 5-6. Philip answers in verse 7. Andrew speaks in verse8-9. Jesus gives direction in verse 10. Verses 11 describes the typical role of the pre-meal blessing. Verse 12 has Jesus speaking again. Verse 13 lets us know that miracle took place. The crowd speaks in verse 14.
1. After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2. A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. 3. Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. 4. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. John begins this paragraph by referring to 'after these things.' It is beneficial to remember that this According to John account of the life of Christ is not in strict chronological order. However, John had a reason to have this account to immediately follow Jesus healing and then His self defense following the Jews placing a death warrant on His head. Is Jesus on the run? Chapter 5 has Jesus Jerusalem, some 26 miles from Galilee, for the Passover. With this also being a time of the Passover, it is thought that at least a year has passed between chapter 5 and chapter 6. Do miracles, heal sick, and a crowd will follow you, even to the other side of the Sea. Here we have a small glimpse into the masses, at least in the Galilean area, beginning to abandon religious traditions to follow him. The Greek word translated 'crowd' is ὄχλος meaning: A. a crowd, throng, the mass of the soldiers, in numbers (for an army), undisciplined masses, camp-followers; 1. in political sense, populace, mob, and popular assemblies (in a contemptuous sense), already in the mouths of the people; 2. generally, mass, multitude: in pl., the masses. B. annoyance, trouble, to give trouble, to be or become troublesome. This is a crowd, according to John, was a impetuous group that is getting into their recovery time. The use of this term lays a foundation for the disciples to the people, the ὄχλος, with a stiff arm approach.Jesus and his disciples reach a resting spot near the top and sit down, thereby giving the crowd a chance to catch up. The Greek word translated 'mountain' is ὄρος which is usually not translated 'hill.' This word, ὄρος, is most notably use in the LXX's translation of the flood residing "The water decreased steadily until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains became visible (Genesis 8:5)."
5. Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” 6. This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. Jesus sees the crowd, the ὄχλος, coming to infringe on their time away. His 'seeing' them has nothing to do with His introspection of them, thereby seeing their deep, below the surface need. The Greek means to 'gaze at, behold, mostly with a sense of wonder' or ' contemplate.' You might imagine Jesus rubbing His chin as He views the crowd. He is marveling at their persistence in abandoning food preparation. In His genuine marvel of the crowd, Jesus seizes a teachable moment and asks Philip a question. Remember they are on the 'up a mountain' and on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. 'Where' might be a ridiculous negative question. 7. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” Philip, unable to directly answer the 'where' question, poses an answer to the ridiculous question of 'how.' Philip basically says, 'I do not have a clue." Even if we knew 'where' we do not have the capability. "Two hundred denarii:" how much is that? Two hundred denarii is approximately eight months wages. That is the end of Philip's dialogue in this story. I wonder if he past Jesus' test. 8. One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9. "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” Here comes Andrew, who is known for bringing people to Jesus. He has been observant and active as he offers a solution (as meager as it may be) to the crowd's genuine need. Andrew was watching the crowd, listening to Jesus and Philip and looking for a solution. He found the boy and brought him to Jesus. The text, ἔστιν παιδάριον ὧδε, could read 'Here is a lad' or 'A lad is here.' Andrew is a busy disciple. The lad with barley loaves and fish was enough for Jesus to get started. Enough verbal instruction, it was time to meet the needs of the 'crowd' who were hungry. 10. Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 'Have a seat.' 'Rest yourselves.' 'Let us serve you.' 'Don't worry.' 'I will take care of you.' 'You are not an imposition.' 'You are our guests.' Jesus, through His disciples, directs the immediate affairs of more than 5,000 people for there were 5,000 men which does not include women and children. The photo at the top of this post has about 5,000 people pictured. 11. Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. There it is. The model for us to 'give thanks' for our food. He did, we should. Other than that, just an interesting thought here. If they were NOT seated, i.e. did NOT obey Jesus initial direction, would they have been fed? Interesting. 12. When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.”13. So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Here we go. The result of a miracle. The food multiplied for there to be enough to eat and lots of barley loaves left over. I have actually heard this being a miracle of the people's compassion. In that the ὄχλος had the food with them all the time and now they were just willing to share it with their fellow ὄχλος. That might be so if we did not have Jesus distributing. Therefore, regardless of what was left over, there was enough to be distributed. I don't know about you, but I would have an impossible time breaking 5 barley loaves into over 5,000 pieces. And then break 2 fish into over 5,000 pieces. They were filled. 14. Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Even the people knew a miracle, or sign, had taken place. Their response was a declaration. Limited as it may be, it was declarative.


SUMMARY

The Feeding of the 5,000 is one event that appears in all four gospels: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-13. John brings out the initiating compassion of Christ in recognizing the need of the multitude. Matthew, Mark and Luke note that the disciples came to Jesus with a suggestion of how to handle this feeding dilemma.

What is your perspective of this miracle: through Jesus' eyes; the disciples' eyes; the crowd's eyes, or your own objective theatrical view? This is NOT a play! Is Christianity something you observe, in your family or friends, from an objective perspective, like a play or movie, without any participation or life change? Let me suggest that you view this story from either the crowd's perspective or the disciple's perspective. As a part of the crowd, you follow Jesus, you obey His commands, you allow Him to meet your needs, you acknowledge His miracles on your behalf and you declare who He is and what He has done. As a disciple, you journey WITH Him, you rest WITH Him, you are tested by Him, you speak WITH Him, you work WITH Him, you serve WITH Him and you obey Him. Let me suggest that you begin to participate in Christianity. Are you hungry? Blessed or happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled or satisfied.

There is one facet of Jesus life at this time that is strikingly missing from this story: the religious antagonists. Therefore, since all people mentioned in this story were participants, then all people, religious antagonists included, would be classified as spectators who have objective perspectives. They were not there. They read this story in the local Galilean Parchment Times. Religion is spectator based. Christianity is participant based. Question: What do you see here? Are you in the story? Or, are you just reading the story?

Need help with your journey?

Email: flsministries@bellsouth.net

Twitter: flsministries

Facebook: Family Life Style Ministries, Inc.

Note: The image above is from Switchfoot, a contemporary, somewhat hard rock, Christian band. I found this photo of them while searching for groups picturing 5,000 people.

Personal Finance Assistance Offered

Need help with micro-economics (i.e., household finances, your money)? Family Life Style Ministries can help. We will teach Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU) in churches, schools, staff meetings, board meetings, communities and civic clubs. We also set up individualized Quicken FPU budgets without violating financial privacy.