Kingdom Incarnate Part 6

At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

We continue in our series ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which endeavors to teach us to ‘see’ and ‘know’ Jesus in the gospels. This week, we will examine John Chapter 6 and discuss the feeding of the five thousand.

The miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand, recorded in all four Gospels, is one of the most powerful demonstrations of His divine provision. Yet, John’s account goes beyond the physical miracle to reveal its deeper spiritual meaning. In John 6:5-13, Jesus tests His disciples, asking where they can find food for the vast crowd. Philip sees only the impossibility of the situation, responding that even two hundred denarii would not be enough to give each person a small portion. Andrew points out a boy with five barley loaves and two fish, but doubts its sufficiency. Nevertheless, Jesus takes this humble offering, gives thanks, and miraculously multiplies it, feeding over five thousand people with twelve baskets of leftovers remaining.

John 6:5–13 (NIV)
5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

This astonishing event foreshadows a greater truth that Jesus later reveals. After the crowd follows Him for more bread, He redirects their focus to something far more critical. They recall the manna given to their ancestors in the wilderness, saying, “Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat’” (John 6:31). They long for physical sustenance, but Jesus points them to the true bread that gives eternal life. He corrects them, saying, “It was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven” (John 6:32).

John 6:31–35 (NIV)
31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Then, He makes a profound declaration: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). The miracle of the loaves and fish was not just about feeding hungry people; it was a sign pointing to Jesus Himself. Just as bread sustains physical life, He alone sustains our souls. The crowd sought perishable food, but Jesus offered them something more significant—eternal life through Him.

The feeding of the five thousand illustrates God’s abundant provision, but Jesus’ words reveal the more profound truth: He is the true source of life. Those who seek Him not merely for temporary blessings but for who He truly is will satisfy their deepest hunger. Just as He took the boy’s small offering and multiplied it, He takes our lives, no matter how insignificant they seem, and fills them with His life-giving power. He is the Bread that never runs out, the sustenance that nourishes eternally.

This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.