John’s Telling of the Feeding of the Five Thousand

Text: John 6:1-14

Reflection and Question: We reflected upon another version of Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand not too long ago, touching upon the connection between Holy Communion and this miracle. John’s telling of the story highlights another liturgical reference, that of Passover, for he adds a detail not mentioned by the three other gospel writers. John starts “Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews is near,” suggesting that the crowd is joining the disciples for a new Passover celebration, with Jesus taking Moses’ place as the leader toward God-given freedom. How does this connection with Passover add to your understanding of this miracle?

Prayer: Most loving Jesus, You knew that Passover was near, were on Your way to it Yourself, when the five thousand needed to be fed. Become the Passover lamb for us that we may hunger for freedom no more and thereby be strengthened to do Your will. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).