John 6:10

Followeth a nearer preparation to the miracle, wherein, Christ having laid by the expectation of his disciples, commands that they bid the people sit down upon the grasse, which was rank in that Countrey and climate at that season; whereunto the people (who were a great many) give obedience, and so Christ proceeds to feed them. Doctrine 1. Christ takes no advantage of his peoples weaknesse and dulnesse, to hinder him to do good when it is needed; for, notwithstanding their slownesse of heart to give him glory, yet he goeth to the miracle, for their good, and the peoples. 2. It is Christs way, oft-times, to refute the doubts of his people, by his working, and by real proofs of his power and love; for, he stayeth not to debate with his disciples about their doubts, but refutes them by the following work. 3. Christ may see it fit to engage his own in strange-like service, and to impose commands upon them that seeme absurd to sense and reason, and yet give a good account of all, in his time: for, such was this command, to make the men sit down upon the grasse, to a bare table, and yet he fed them all. 4. It is the commendation of Christs followers, when, how weak soever their faith be, yet they subject themselves to his commands, and yeild obedience, without any reasoning; for, such was both the disciples, and the peoples practice, here; they being commanded by Christ, do make the men sit down, and the men sate down, though none of them saw well what Christ was about to do. 5. Every circumstance of Christs work, which sets out his glory ought to be marked, and he will order his working so, as these may be seen; Therefore it is marked, as setting out Christs glory, that they were in number about five thousand, whom he fed, which is to be understood of the men onely, besides women and children, Matth. 14.21. And this is marked in this place, because Christ commanded that they should be so set down in ranks and companies, (Mark 6.39, 40. Luke 9.14.) as the disciples might easily mark the number of them.