As a large crowd approached him, Jesus noticed the problem of feeding them and asked Philip where they could buy bread for everyone to eat. Jesus takes on the responsibility because of his goodness, love, and commitment to serving others rather than being served. He is capable of feeding any size of a crowd. John revealed that Jesus asked Philip a question as a test because he already knew what he was going to do (John 6:6). Philip replied, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little" (John 6:7), indicating that the crowd's needs were greater than the available resources.

Andrew told Jesus there was a boy with only five barley loaves and two fish. However, Andrew also wondered whether this amount of food could help feed so many people. After the crowd of five thousand, Jesus directed them to sit down. God will certainly provide for the needs of his people. Christ is more than sufficient to fulfill and satisfy us eternally and beyond. The twelve baskets of food symbolize the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. This shows that Jesus will provide for all of his followers.

The people's reaction suggests they understand the similarity between the manna from heaven during Moses' ministry and the multiplied bread Jesus provided. The people were ready to accept Jesus as the prophet like Moses and the king like David. Jesus became aware that the crowd intended to forcefully make him their king as they believed he was the one mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15-18. After sensing the crowd's intentions, Jesus isolated himself again and went up to the mountain alone.

John 6:16-18 provides information about the time (evening and dark), location (the sea, on the way to Capernaum), and people involved (Jesus' disciples, but not Jesus himself) to give context for what happens next. The Sea of Galilee is approximately seven miles wide at its widest point. When the disciples rowed for about three or four miles, they were in the lake's center. This was when they saw Jesus walking on the water, approaching their boat, and they became frightened. Jesus said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid" (John 6:20). This statement could also mean "I Am," which signifies that Jesus is God. By walking on water, Jesus demonstrates that he can do things only God can do. Similarly, like Moses, he went alone to a mountain. And just as the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, Jesus walked on the waves of the Sea of Galilee. However, when they welcomed Jesus into their boat, they immediately arrived at their destination on the shore.