Albert Barnes Commentary John 6
Albert Barnes Commentary
John 6
Albert Barnes Commentary
John 6
"After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea] of Tiberias." — John 6:1 (ASV)
Jesus went over. Went to the east side of the sea. The place to which he went was Bethsaida, Luke 9:10. The account of this miracle of feeding the five thousand is recorded also in Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32–44, and Luke 9:10-17. John has added a few circumstances omitted by the other evangelists.
"And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick." — John 6:2 (ASV)
Because they saw his miracles, and so on. They saw that he had the power to supply their wants, and they therefore followed him. See John 6:26. Compare also Matthew 14:14.
"Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand." — John 6:4 (ASV)
The passover. (See Barnes on Matthew 26:2, 17.)
A feast of the Jews. This is one of the circumstances of explanation thrown in by John which show that he wrote for those who were unacquainted with Jewish customs.
"And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do." — John 6:6 (ASV)
To prove him. To try him; to see if he had faith, or if he would show that he believed that Jesus had power to supply them.
"And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost." — John 6:12 (ASV)
Gather up the fragments. This command is omitted by the other evangelists. It shows the care of Jesus that there should be no waste. Though he had power to provide any quantity of food, yet he has here taught us that the bounties of Providence are not to be squandered.
In all things the Saviour set us an example of frugality, though he had an infinite supply at his disposal; he was himself economical, though he was Lord of all. If he was thus saving, it is fitting for us dependent creatures not to waste the bounties of a beneficent Providence. And it is especially fitting for the rich not to squander the bounties of Providence.
They often feel that they are rich. They have enough. They have no fear of want, and they do not feel the necessity of studying economy. Yet let them remember that what they have is the gift of God—just as certainly as the loaves and fishes created by the Saviour were his gift.
It is not given them to waste, nor to spend in riot, nor to be the means of injuring their health or of shortening life. It is given to sustain life, to excite gratitude, to fit for the active service of God. Everything should be applied to its appropriate end, and nothing should be squandered or lost.
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