This story comes from John 6 v 5-15 and 25-35. Jesus and his disciples had found a quiet place to rest. In another account of this story, Mark tells us that they had been so busy helping people that they hadn’t even had time to eat (Mark 6 v 31)! Even though Jesus needed a break, he felt sorry for the people who came looking for him. With one boy’s five small loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus fed over 5,000 people.
Jesus’ miracles were signs that show us who he is. But the people were not thinking about who could have such power, and did not see what they needed his help with most. They were just thinking about their food and how Jesus could make their lives better now. He told them, “You are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6 v 26-27).
Jesus told the crowd that he had come to give them something much much better: “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (v 35). He went on to tell them that he would give his life to pay for our sins, so that anyone who believes in him will have life for ever, in heaven with God.
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