1 After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he did on those who were sick. 3 Jesus went up into the mountain, and he sat there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that everyone of them may receive a little.”

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?”

10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in that place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired. 12 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, “This is truly the prophet who comes into the world.” 15 Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

John 6:1-15 - World English Bible

The multiplication of the loaves and fishes from John 6 acted as an introduction to the Eucharistic discourse for the rest of the chapter. While the miracle was familiar, the importance of the scene and the body language of Jesus got overlooked. The Lord climbed the mountain, then sat (in a teaching position) with his disciples; the multitude who sought him (based upon his "signs") gathered further down the mountain. However, after the multiplication, the crowd wanted to declare him king, so he withdrew further up the mountain. The mountain, then, represented the place of teaching. like Moses did (Exodus 19), and a means of safety, like Elijah sought (1 Kings 19).

In the scene, Jesus taught his disciples faith by testing them with a simple question, "Where are we going to but enough food to feed all these people?" The task was not only daunting, it was impossible!

Not even 200 days wages (1 denarius per day) could even begin to solve the problem; all they possessed was lunch for a family: five barley rolls and two small dried fish. Yet, that was more than enough, for twelve baskets ( a number meaning "fullness") remained.

Many times we seek the Lord when life takes us "up hill", yet he escapes our expectations. In our anxiety and efforts, he tests our faith with the challenge of the impossible; in the end, he feed us with an abundance. Time and time again, he outstrips our desires with blessings greater than we can imagine.

How has the Lord exceeded your expectations?