John 6:13

So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Study Bible

So they collected them
This phrase indicates the disciples' obedience to Jesus' command to gather the leftovers. The Greek word for "collected" is "συνήγαγον" (synēgagon), which implies a careful gathering. This action reflects the importance of stewardship and the value of God's provision. It teaches us that nothing given by God should be wasted, emphasizing the principle of gratitude and responsibility.

and filled twelve baskets
The number "twelve" is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness or the twelve tribes of Israel. The Greek word for "baskets" is "κοφίνους" (kophinous), which were typically small, personal baskets used by Jews. This detail underscores the miraculous nature of the event, as the leftovers were abundant enough to fill these baskets completely, symbolizing God's provision for all His people.

with the pieces of the five barley loaves
"Barley loaves" were considered the bread of the poor, indicating the humble beginnings of the miracle. The Greek word for "pieces" is "κλάσματα" (klasmata), meaning fragments or broken pieces. This highlights the theme of Jesus as the Bread of Life, who provides abundantly even from the simplest of means. It also points to the idea that Jesus can take what is broken and make it whole, providing more than enough for our needs.

left over by those who had eaten
The phrase "left over" signifies the abundance of Jesus' provision. The Greek word "περισσεύσαντα" (perisseusanta) means to exceed or overflow. This abundance is a testament to the divine nature of Jesus' miracle, showing that He not only meets needs but exceeds them. It serves as a reminder of God's generosity and the overflowing grace available to believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel of John, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God. In this passage, He performs the miracle of feeding the 5,000.

2. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who assist in gathering the leftover fragments after the feeding of the multitude.

3. The Crowd
A large group of people who followed Jesus, witnessing His miracles and teachings. They were fed with five barley loaves and two fish.

4. Tiberias
The location near which the miracle of feeding the 5,000 took place, on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee.

5. Twelve Baskets
The amount of leftover food collected after the miracle, symbolizing abundance and the sufficiency of God's provision.

Teaching Points

God's Abundance
The collection of twelve baskets of leftovers signifies God's abundant provision. Even when resources seem scarce, God provides more than enough.

Stewardship of Resources
Jesus instructs the disciples to gather the leftovers, teaching us the importance of not wasting what God provides.

Faith in Action
The disciples' role in distributing and collecting the food demonstrates active participation in God's work, encouraging us to trust and act on God's instructions.

Symbolism of Twelve
The twelve baskets may symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating that Jesus' provision is sufficient for all of God's people.

Spiritual Nourishment
Beyond physical sustenance, this miracle points to Jesus as the source of spiritual nourishment, inviting us to seek Him for our deepest needs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the collection of twelve baskets of leftovers in John 6:13 reflect God's character and provision in your life today?

2. In what ways can you practice better stewardship of the resources God has given you, as demonstrated by the gathering of the fragments?

3. How does the miracle of feeding the 5,000 encourage you to trust God in situations where resources seem insufficient?

4. What connections can you draw between Jesus as the "bread of life" and the physical feeding of the crowd in this passage?

5. How can you actively participate in God's work, as the disciples did, in your community or church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 16
The provision of manna in the wilderness connects to the miraculous feeding, illustrating God's provision for His people.

2 Kings 4:42-44
Elisha's multiplication of loaves prefigures Jesus' miracle, showing continuity in God's miraculous provision.

Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17
Parallel accounts of the feeding of the 5,000, providing additional perspectives on the event.

John 6:35
Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life," connecting the physical feeding to spiritual nourishment.