The 5000 arrive and Jesus asks Philip (His disciple), "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" The disciples are unable to grasp the scope of feeding 5000+ people. Andrew at least attempts to find food and approaches Jesus with all he can muster, five loaves and two fish. Jesus miraculously extends the food supply to feed the 5000.

The people interpret the miracle as a sign of the coming the Prophet from Deuteronomy18:15. Unfortunately, their response is less than spiritual as Jesus senses they will attempt to make Him king by force. Jesus, in response, withdraws “to the mountain by Himself.” (John 6:15)

Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee by night (on foot and by boat [John 6:16-21]). The people from the previous day discover Jesus has left the shore and somehow made it to the other side of the water. From this point forward Jesus attempts to instill a spiritual perspective in to the mass of people and His disciples.

Jesus tells the people their motive to see Him is driven by the desire for earthly food (John 6:26). He challenges them to acknowledge Him as the messiah and to submit to His authority, but they did not come looking for deeper meaning (John 6:30-59). Because of this they complained (John 6:41) and argued amongst themselves about who Jesus really was and what he meant (John 6:52). Eventually some of those who had been following Him would turn away (John 6:66). Some would hold on because they realized there is no hope outside of God (John 6:68).

Although the Jews and Jesus' disciples seem fickle, confused and unspiritual; they are also very relatable and the results unfortunately familiar. If one's preconceptions, selfishness and pride cannot be overcome, then no amount or degree of miracles or personal interaction with Jesus will increase their faith. Because of an unspiritual viewpoint the people complain and divide. Complaining and dividing are symptoms of a deeper problem, a lack of God's spirit. The more Jesus attempts for them to see Him not as an earthly king or provider of physical needs, the more resistance He encounters. With His final references to Himself as the “bread of God” and the necessity to eat His flesh, the people and many of disciples turn away.

Division, complaining and high rates of attrition. Do these sound familiar? They are indicators of a worldly perspective and run rampant in the Restoration Movement. Our lack of a faithful and spiritual mindset leads us into confused ideas of what Jesus expects, our role and His. However there is hope.

Peter sums up his perspective in John 6:68, “Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” If we are desperate with no other options, we are more spiritual. If we realize that Jesus is not about doctrinal schisms but eternal life we will not complain or divide. If we see Jesus as the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through Him we will have more humility, selflessness and a renewed mindset.

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