1. Feeding (6:1-15)

This sign (v.14) is recorded in all four gospels (Mt 14:13-21; cf. 15:32-38; Mk 6:32-44; cf. 8:1-9; Lk 9:10-17). The account does not require much explanation. In view of Jesus' interpretation (6:25-59), which is reminiscent of the Last Supper, reference to the Passover (v.4) has theological as well as chronological significance. This is the second Passover mentioned in the gospel (cf. 2:13, 23). As usual, Jesus took the initiative (v.5). Eight months' wages (v.7) nicely translates the Greek for “200 denarii,” where a denarius was roughly equivalent to one day’s wages for a laborer. The loaves and fishes (v.9) serve to underscore the inadequacy of merely human supply as compared to the more than sufficient provision of Jesus (vv.12-13). The miraculous feeding moved the crowd to see Jesus as Messiah (vv.14-15). This is clear from their desire to make him king and their designation of him as the Prophet who is to come into the world (cf. Dt 18:15, 18 but contrast Jn 1:21, where, in light of the denial of 1:20, “the Prophet” in mind is not the Messiah).