John 6:14-21 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.… I. THE EFFECT OF THE MIRACLE ON THE MIND OF THE MULTITUDE. They, like all Jews of the time, were expecting the Prophet like unto Moses. The Divine commission of Moses was authenticated by the miraculous manna; what then could this miracle mean but that He who worked it was the antitype of Moses. And then Moses had been king as well as prophet. Who could be better qualified for "leader and commander of the people" than Jesus: Time and place were both favourable for raising the standard of rebellion, and five thousand resolute hearts formed no mean nucleus of an army which would soon include every Jewish patriot. Measures, therefore, were taken to compel Christ to yield to their wishes. 1. In this incident we have an example of zeal without knowledge. Christ was indeed a King, but had they apprehended in what sense nothing would have been further from their wishes. 2. Zeal without knowledge must at all times be most injurious to the true interests of the cause of Christ. II. THE PROCEDURE OF CHRIST (ver. 15). 1. He withdrew. (1) To frustrate their purpose. (2) To show that His kingdom was not of this world. (3) To ascend a higher throne, not by popular election, but by the cross. 2. He withdrew to pray, thus indicating the nature of the glory He sought. He had much to plead for on behalf of the multitude on whom the miracle had been lost, and in behalf of His disciples who had more than half taken the infection. Lessons:(1) Those who misuse Christ and His blessings must not wonder if they are deprived of His presence. (2) Spiritual safety is closely connected with retirement from dangerous associations. Christ not only withdrew Himself but sent the disciples away (Matthew 14:22; Mark 6:45). III. THE DANGER OF THE DISCIPLES (vers. 17, 18). 1. Those who seek and find their delight in Christ's presence know the bitterness of His absence. How often are Christ's disciples tossed with tempests and constrained to hard and apparently fruitless service! 2. The Master is ever at hand when the storm is fiercest and where the labour is hardest. IV. THE ADVENT OF CHRIST. 1. Aroused their fears. 2. Elicited their prayers. 3. Secured their safety. 4. Brought them safely to shore. (A. Beith, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. |
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