Multiplication Of The Loaves (Jn, 6:1-15)

'(1) After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee [of Tiberias]. (2) A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. (3) Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. (4) The Jewish feast of Passover was near. (5) When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” (6) He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. (7) Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little [bit].” (8) One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “ (9) There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” (10) Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. (11) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. (12) When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” (13) So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. (14) When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” (15) Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone (Jn. 6:1-15).'

There is in essence only one gospel, but each presentation by the evangelists had a specific purpose.  The Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,  were addressing different audiences, so their presentations of the gospels (good news) focused on interpreting Jesus’ life and teachings in a way their audiences would relate to.  John focuses on the pre-existence and mystery of Christ who reveals the Father to us.  The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves occurs a few days before Passover where an unblemished lamb is sacrificed (Ex. 12:5).  It takes place just before Jesus walked on water (Jn. 6:16-21) and the ‘Bread of Life’ discourse.  The location was the Synagogue in Capernaum (Jn. 6:21-59) where Jesus tells the crowd that he is the ‘Bread of Life.’

Christians take the viewpoint that Jesus’ actions in this miracle had Eucharistic overtones; 'Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted (v. 11).'  However, this was a customary Jewish blessing before meals.  Jesus took a small amount from a child and provided an abundance for many.  The crowd recognized Jesus as the messianic prophet they were awaiting and would have made him king because of his mighty deeds.  Jesus will take whatever little we offer and uses it abundantly if only we trust in him.

Almighty God, help your children to trust in you and to offer you whatever little they have so it can be multiplied through your generosity.  You know the needs of your flock so inspire us to fulfill the roles you chose for us and give us the will to serve you as you so desire.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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References:

Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.

Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.