Signs of Authority in the Gospel of John - Part 3

Fourth and Fifth Signs: Feeding the 5000 and Walking on the Water

John 6 takes place in a deserted mountain area near Bethsaida where Jesus had gone to try to recuperate with his disciples after John the Baptist died. But crowds of people show up, so he heals and teaches them all day. At the end of the day, they are all hungry, so he feeds them with 5 loaves of barley and two fish. Then he sends the people away and the disciples in a boat to go back to Capernaum. But a storm with a westerly wind comes up and they have a hard time rowing against it. Jesus comes to them walking on the water and when they see him they are afraid. Then Peter walks out to him on the water also, but begins to sink when he sees the waves. When they get in the boat, the storm is calmed and they are immediately at the shore.

The authority over physical needs is shown as well as over danger and fear.

The next day Jesus teaches them about how he is the bread of life and that spiritual sustenance is better than real bread.

Four sections:

vs 26-29 believe in me

vs. 30-46 come to me (key verse: 6:35)

vs. 47-58 eat of me (become one with me, key verse: 6:51)

vs. 59-71 eat my words (key verse: 6:63)

Again we have Jesus' example as a shepherd having compassion on the crowd, healing them, providing for and teaching them. We too can speak the words of life!

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