John 6:5–7

Followeth the introduction and preparations to the miracle, wherein is recorded what past betwixt Christ and some, or all of his disciples, and betwixt them and the people, before the miracle was wrought. In these verses is recorded, that Christ taking notice of the multitude, doth pose Philip, how they might be provided, verse 5. which he doth, not out of ignorance or irresolution, but to try him, verse 6. Philip gives such an answer as bewrayes his weaknesse in the matter, by shewing that much money (and possibly more then they could command) would not by a mouthful, farre lesse full refreshment, to every one of such a multitude, verse 7. We are to consider, that this was not the first thing Christ did with them; But after he had pitied the multitude, and preached unto them, and healed their sick, and after he had refused to send them away in the evening, fasting, at the disciples desire (all which are recorded by the other Evangelists:) he at last falls upon this, and other questions recorded by the rest, for the further trial and discovery of the disciples.

From verse 5. Learn, 1. There is no trouble nor distraction, nor desire of ease, will hinder Christ from taking notice of them who come to him, even albeit they have many defects in their coming; Therefore, albeit Christ had withdrawn to refresh himself and his disciples, and it was much indiscretion in them to interrupt him, yet he takes notice of them, and pitying them, doth preach unto them, and cure their sick, as is recorded by the rest. And this may teach Christs servants not to take it in evil part, though they be kept so busie in their calling, as to want sometime that kindly rest that is allowed upon them. See 2 Cor. 11.27, 28, 2. As an ardent affection after Christs company, will make men oft-times forget their owne outward necessities, so they may enjoy him, (as here, we find the multitude follow him to a desart place, without any provision;) So Christ will not faile to take notice of all the necessities, even bodily, of those that follow him; for, here he is carefull of what they had neglected. 3. Christ will put his followers, who have been long in his company, and have seene much of him, to give a proof of their proficiencie thereby, before he let them see new proofs of his power; for such was his scope in this question, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? He would first try what was in the thoughts of his disciples, who heretofore had seene many of his miracles. And the question seemes to be put to Philip, not so much because he had been the mouth of the disciples, in desiring Christ to send the multitude away: as because now he was an old scholar, and among the first of his followers, John 1.43. (as Andrew also was, John 1.40.) and yet long after this, he is but rude and ignorant, John 14.8, 9.

From verse 6. Learn, 1. Christs words (as also his dispensations) wil very readily be mistaken and misconstructed, unlesse himselfe explaine what is his scope in them; Therefore it is necessary that he clear it here. 2. Christs scope in his words, (as also in his dealing,) is oft-times onely to try them with whom he hath to do: and when he hath so done, he can let them finde that his trying word or dispensation is not all; but he hath more to say and do; for, this he said, to prove him, and yet after that, he did the work. See Deut. 8.15.16. 3. Christ will even have the weaknesse of his own followers tried; partly, that what is known to him, and yet lurking, may be discovered to them, and so they may not conceit of more then they have, and the evil which before lurked and was unseen, may be cured when it is discovered; And partly, that he may be exalted, who is alsufficient to do what he pleaseth, when their weaknesse layeth them by: for these causes did he prove Philip, and belike the rest also, as appears afterward in Andrew. 4. Christ needs not consult with any, nor the help of any mans wit in greatest extremities; nor is he ignorant, or uncertain and irresolute what to do, whatever his way of carrying on his work seeme to say; Therefore it is added for confirmation, for he himself knew what he would do.

From verse 7. Learn, 1. When Christ puts even his most eminent followers to trial, they will prove weak, if they be left to themselves; for, so appears here in one and moe of them, though they had seene many proofs of him 2. When men judge by sense or reason, and do look to likelihoods and probabilities, and not to Christs power, they will soone be at their wits end in extremities, and unable to answer doubtful cases; for, so much doth his answer teach, Two hundred penny worth of bread is not sufficient for them that every one of them may take a little. It is not needful to determine how much this summe was according to our coin, but it is sufficient to know that it was a great summe to them, and would have bought more then he made use of to feed the people with. 3. It is Christs way, oft-times, to do that for his people, whereof there is no probability or likelihood, that so his glory may shine the more brightly in it; for, so it appears in his working this miracle, and feeding the multitude, when there was no appearance how it should be done. And this should warne men, as not to tempt God in an ordinary calling, by neglecting ordinary means; so also, not to be discouraged with improbabilities, when they are in need, and have to do with Christ.