Show Don't Tell: John 6:1-15

Instead of saying "Jesus fed five thousand people," do the math. Some time after this, Jesus crosses to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee. A great crowd follows him because they see the signs he performs on the sick. Jesus goes up on a mountainside and sits down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival is near—manna season. Looking up and seeing the crowd coming toward him, Jesus asks Philip: "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asks only to test him—he already knows what he is going to do. Philip: "It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" Andrew: "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" "Have the people sit down." About five thousand men sit down. Jesus takes the loaves, gives thanks, and distributes to those seated—as much as they want. Same with the fish. When they have all had enough: "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." Twelve baskets filled with pieces left over. The people see the sign: "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Knowing they intend to make him king by force, Jesus withdraws again to a mountain by himself. They want bread-king Jesus. He disappears.