John 6:9 KJV

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

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John 6:9 Bible Commentary

Commentary on John 6:9

Verse Reference: John 6:9 - "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?"

Overview of John 6:9

This verse occurs within the context of the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, showcasing a significant moment where the humble offerings of a young boy become the means through which Christ performs one of His most notable miracles. This passage addresses themes of resourcefulness, faith, and divine provision.

Insights from Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the providential nature of God's care in supplying needs through seemingly insignificant means. He highlights that the boy's minimal contribution is an illustration of how God can utilize the small and humble among His people to achieve great things. Henry notes that the inclusion of five barley loaves and two fish signifies the essential, basic provisions of the earth, suggesting that God prefers to work through what is simple rather than extravagant.

Henry also points out that the faith of the boy could be inferred in his readiness to offer what he had without hesitation. This is a pertinent lesson for believers about the importance of offering oneself and one’s resources to God, irrespective of their apparent inadequacy.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Albert Barnes reflects on the physical and the spiritual implications of this passage. He notes that "the lad" represents the lesser individuals often overlooked within society, yet it is through such individuals that God’s work is manifested. Barnes argues that Jesus’ inquiry regarding the available resources serves to teach the disciples the necessity of faith in God’s ability to multiply what may seem inadequate.

Furthermore, Barnes points out the symbolic meaning of barley bread, which was the food of the poorer classes of society. This choice underscores Jesus’ identification with the lowly and His option for humility and simplicity. The two fish complement the offerings, signifying that even modest contributions are valuable in God's hands.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke expounds on the phrase "but what are they among so many?" He suggests that this rhetorical question reflects the disciples’ doubt about the sufficiency of the resources available. Clarke essentially contends that this highlights a spiritual truth more significant than the physical provision—namely, the need for faith in God’s provision, regardless of human limitations or perceptions of inadequacy.

Clarke also remarks on the idea of “the lad” which provides an exemplification of true humility. Unlike the adult disciples, the boy exhibits a lack of pretension and greater faith in offering his all, regardless of its trivial nature compared to the need at hand. This sets a powerful example for Christians today regarding surrender and trust in God’s abundance.

Theological Implications

The broader implications of John 6:9 reveal essential Christian doctrines of provision and sufficiency in Christ. This passage serves as a microcosm of Christian resourcefulness; believers are called to present what they have to God, knowing that He can multiply it beyond human understanding.

This moment also foreshadows the establishment of the Lord's Supper, wherein ordinary elements (bread and wine) are used for extraordinary purposes. The boy’s offering demonstrates that even the least among us can significantly contribute to God’s kingdom when offered in faith.

Practical Applications

The teaching from John 6:9 holds valuable insights applicable in various contexts:

Faith in Divine Provision: The passage reassures believers of God’s ability to provide. Engaging in ministry or service should not be hindered by a perceived lack of resources.
The Value of Every Contribution: No offering, no matter how small, is insignificant in the kingdom of God. Every act of service can lead to greater results when placed in God’s hands.
Encouraging the Humble: This story encourages those who feel overlooked or inadequate, reminding them that God can bestow greatness through humble acts of obedience.
Collective Ministry: As a community, churches need to combine the contributions of their members, regardless of size or magnitude, emphasizing teamwork and collective effort in service.

Conclusion

In summary, John 6:9 is a profound reminder of the intersection of faith and God’s miraculous provision. Through the seemingly insignificant offering of a young boy, a multitude is fed, teaching that God’s resources are limitless and that the contributions of even the least among us are valuable.

This passage serves as an invitation for all believers—pastors, students, theologians, and scholars—to reexamine the offerings they bring before God and the faith with which they approach ministry and service. The call is to trust that God's hand can multiply our offerings for His glory and the sustenance of many.

John 6 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 6:1 John 6:2 John 6:3 John 6:4 John 6:5 John 6:6 John 6:7 John 6:8 John 6:9 John 6:10 John 6:11 John 6:12 John 6:13 John 6:14 John 6:15 John 6:16 John 6:17 John 6:18 John 6:19 John 6:20 John 6:21 John 6:22 John 6:23 John 6:24 John 6:25 John 6:26 John 6:27 John 6:28 John 6:29 John 6:30 John 6:31 John 6:32 John 6:33 John 6:34 John 6:35 John 6:36 John 6:37 John 6:38 John 6:39 John 6:40 John 6:41 John 6:42 John 6:43 John 6:44 John 6:45 John 6:46 John 6:47 John 6:48 John 6:49 John 6:50 John 6:51 John 6:52 John 6:53 John 6:54 John 6:55 John 6:56 John 6:57 John 6:58 John 6:59 John 6:60 John 6:61 John 6:62 John 6:63 John 6:64 John 6:65 John 6:66 John 6:67 John 6:68 John 6:69 John 6:70 John 6:71

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