Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 6:4-5

"Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" — John 6:4-5 (ASV)

And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

They were in a lonely place out in the wilderness, where the people had no means of obtaining food, and Jesus knew that they would soon be faint with hunger, so he consulted with Philip about what was to be done. It is great kindness and condescension on our Lord's part to consult with his followers; he often did it, not because he needed their advice or help, but because they needed to be taught how to think and how to act for the good of others.