Verse by Verse

15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a king, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone.

16 And when even was now come, His disciples went down unto the sea,

17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

20 But He saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

21 Then they willingly received Him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

a king — not “the” King. They wanted Him to lead a revolt against Roman rule.

Scripture says God would enthrone Him after He died.

25-30 furlongs — approximately three miles, or halfway across the seven-mile-wide lake.

a second miracle (verse 21) — the boat was immediately at shore.

10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

12 When they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

14 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.

This miracle was a partial fulfillment of Psalm 132:13-15 — For the LORD hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. It will be fully realized in the Millennial Kingdom.

That prophet — The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; according to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not (Deuteronomy 18:15-16). In John 1:21, the Jews thought John the Baptist was “that prophet.”

5,000 men = literally, in Greek, “males” — plus women and children

grass — green pastures — peace and provision

as much as they would — it was “all you can eat.”

when they were filled — contrast this with Philip’s statement in verse 7 — “everyone may take a little.”

filled twelve baskets — the abundance of grace.

5 When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

6 And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what He would do.

7 Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto Him,

9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

They were near Bethsaida, where Philip was from.

lad = little boy

200 denariis = 200 day’s pay, approximately — a year’s wages

The number 200, in Scripture, is associated with evil (Joshua 7:21; Judges 17:4; 1 Samuel 30:40; 2 Samuel 14:26; Revelation 9:16). Here it reflects Philip’s unbelief.

Why … was this particular miracle singled out for special prominence? … Three answers have been suggested, which may be summarized thus: First, because there was an evidential value to this miracle which excelled that of all others. Some of our Lord’s miracles were wrought in private, or in the presence of only a small company; others were of a nature that made it difficult, in some cases impossible, for skeptics to examine them. But here was a miracle, performed in the open, before a crowd of witnesses which were to be numbered by the thousand. Second, because of the intrinsic nature of the miracle. It was a creation of food: the calling into existence of what before had no existence. Third, because of the typical import of the miracle. It spoke directly of the person of Christ.  — Pink, page 286.

1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

2 And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased.

3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

4 And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

The Sea of Galilee was named Sea of Tiberius by Herod Antipas in 20 A.D. in honor of Emperor Tiberius.

While Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee in a boat, the crowd walked around the shore on foot (Mark 6:33).

The people liked Jesus’ miracles, but when He told them who He was, many left. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him (John 6:66). They saw Him as a magician, but not as Messiah or Savior.

The Passover was near, but the Lamb of God to whom the Passover pointed was not wanted. The Israelites, on the first Passover, believed and feasted on lamb. Their descendants did not believe — and were spiritually hungry.

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.

40 And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.

41 I receive not honor from men.

42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

43 I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

44 How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?

45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me.

47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?

Search the Scriptures (v.39) — an appeal and a command

You think (v.39) — not in a doubtful sense. Jesus was pointing out the flaws in their faith.

search (in Greek)(v.39)  = like a hunter tracking his quarry

Scriptures testify of Christ (v.39) — prophecies, types, priestly functions (John 1:45). Philip searched the Scriptures and believed.

Ye will not come (v.40) = You do not will to come

Jesus didn’t say these things to gain their regard, but for their own good.

In My Father’s name (v.43) — as His personal representative

if another shall come in his own name (v.43) — During the first century after Christ, dozens of false messiahs came to the Jews and all gained large followings. This is also a prophecy of the Antichrist (Revelation 13). Antichrist must be Jewish because Jews would accept no other as Messiah.

The rabbis thought knowledge of the Scripture, in itself, brought life. Paul counters this in Galatians 3:21: Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

The Scriptures exist to testify of Christ.

They honored Moses and studied his writings, but Jesus said those very writings accuse them because they testify of Him (Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Luke 24:44; 2 Corinthians 3:15).

If there is one thing those Jews thought they believed, it was Moses and his writings. They contended earnestly for the law: they venerated the name of Moses above almost all of their national heroes. They would have been ready to die for what Moses taught. And yet here is the Son of God solemnly declaring that these Jews did not believe Moses, and furnishing proof by showing that if they had really believed Moses’ writings they had believed in Christ, of whom Moses wrote. How terribly deceptive is the human heart! — Pink, page 283-284.

What were the Jews doing while Jesus was saying all this?

36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me.

37 And the Father Himself, which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape.

38 And ye have not His word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not.

Christ performed miracles, which should have convinced the Jews that God had sent Him, as it did Nicodemus. (John 3:2; John 10:25)

The Father gave direct witness of the Son three times: (1) His baptism — Matthew 3:16-17 (2) On the Mount of Transfiguration — Matthew 17:5 (3) Before His crucifixion — John 12:28

The Jewish leaders had never heard nor seen God’s witness, but they had seen and heard the Son (Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds — Hebrews 1:2) and they still didn’t believe.

They read the Scriptures, but didn’t have it in their hearts (v.38).

33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

Jesus reminds the Jewish leaders that they heard what John the Baptist had to say about Him, but He goes on to say that He doesn’t need the testimony of any man.

Jesus doesn’t need others to affirm Him, but He allows it so others can hear of Him and be saved. Jesus didn’t need John’s testimony, but the Jew’s did.

receive (v.34) = lay hold of, grasp

John was (v.34) — by this time, John had been killed by Herod.

burning and shining light (v.35) — John was not the light (John 1:20). He was just a carrier of the light in fulfillment of Psalm 132:17 — There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for Mine anointed.

The Jews got excited about John’s prophecy of the coming Messiah, but they didn’t understand it or respond to it. And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented (Matthew 11:17).

30 I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.

31 If I bear witness of myself, My witness is not true.

32 There is another that beareth witness of Me; and I know that the witness which He witnesseth of Me is true.

I can of My own self do nothing (v.30) — A statement of the Son’s unity with the Father, not an indication of limitation. Jesus Christ has a will, but it is in entire subjection to the Father’s will. That was His nature. The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise (John 5:19).

My judgment is just (v.30) — He will not judge in grace but in absolute righteousness — an answer to any who say a loving God wouldn’t send anyone to hell.

My witness is not true (v.31) — In Jewish law, a self-witness is uncorroborated, invalid and open to suspicion. The Pharisees therefore said unto Him, Thou bearest record of Thyself; Thy record is not true (John 8:13).

My witness is not true — This is an extension of the previous verse — If I bear witness independently of the Father, I have contradicted what I just said. It doesn’t mean that what He says in witness to Himself is untrue. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of Myself, yet My record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, My judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me (John 8:14-16).

Two or three witnesses were required — At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death (Deuteronomy 17:6). One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established (Deuteronomy 19:15).

another that beareth witness (v.32) — present tense. Jesus wasn’t referring to John the Baptist because he was dead. He’s speaking of the Father who witnessed through John the Baptist, through Scripture, and through Jesus’ works.

the witness He witnesseth of Me is true (v.32) — The Father’s witness is enough. It is true. But to keep with the law, He offers more.

John wrote, in part, to counter the Gnostics who, by 80 AD were already denying Christ’s deity.

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

26 For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself;

27 And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice,

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

hear and believe (v.24) — In the Greek, these are two phases of one response. Hear it and accept it as true.

To believe the Father is to believe in the Son He sent.

hath (has) everlasting life (v.24) — present tense. Is passed from death unto life. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15).

everlasting life is for those who believe God who sent Christ and who hear Christ’s Word.

shall not come into condemnation (v.24) — Our judgment was borne by Christ on the cross.  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

the dead shall hear (v.25) — spiritually dead. The dead can hear because the Spirit gives life. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63).

The hour … now is (v.25) — Jesus’ ministry. Anyone who heard Him and believed has life. He came to bring life. He will come again to judge (verses 28-29).

God does not receive life from another source external to Himself and neither does the Son (v.26) . The Father gives to the Son to have life in Himself — a testimony of the relationship from eternity past, not an event. The Son has life in Himself and administers it to men.

Son of Man (v.27) — as a man, Christ will judge men. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14).

resurrection of the unrighteous (v.29) — at the end of the Millenium. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection (Revelation 20:3-5).

done good (v.29) — not for salvation, but as a result of it, a characteristic.

they that have done evil (v.29) — People can reject Christ in life, but they cannot reject Him at the judgment.

19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

20 For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will show Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will.

22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

23 That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him.

The Son can do nothing of Himself. This isn’t a limitation but a statement of the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. He is not a separate God. His will is identical with the Father’s. The Son does what the Father does and He does it as the Father does (in accordance with the absolute perfection of their common Divine nature) and He does all the Father does.

The Father shows the Son. There are no secrets, no restraint and a complete equality of intelligence.

The Son isn’t doing similar things as the Father, but the same things. None of the three Persons of the Godhead can act apart from the others.

Only God has power over life and death. The Son has these powers because of His sovereignty, not by commission. He gives life “to whom He will.”

The theme of verse 19 is expanded in verse 30. Jesus’ first recorded statement in Luke 2:49 (… How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?) echoes verse 19.

seeth (v. 19) — to perceive, to know. What He knows, the Father does.

greater works (v. 20) — the cross and Christ’s resurrection, the giving of life to the dead, His judgment …

The Son gives life (v. 21) — He is equal to the Father in sovereign ability and rights.

judgment (v. 22) — all future judgment, including the Judgment Seat (2 Corinthians 5:10), the judgment of the nations, Judgment of earth (Acts 17:31) and the Great White Throne Judgment.

honor the Son (v. 23) — Matthew 10:40; John 12:44-45

Verse 23 targets the very elders whom Jesus was talking to. They claimed to honor God but were persecuting the Son. The Father and the Son are equal in Divine honors.