Here are my findings: These are John’s specific changes or additions. This will help us to understand where he is going and what he wants to say. The other parts which are the same as the other writers we don’t need to focus on right now.
John gives the general location not the specifics– that being farther side of Galilee, the sea of Tiberius [6:1] cf Luke’s Bethsaida
“now the Passover, the Feast of the Jews was approaching.” [6:4] – There it is again. What is he doing with this continuing refrain?
“Turning to Philip, He asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?”
He was testing Philip, for He already knew what He was going to do.” [6:5-6]
John follows Mark and adds the verse talking about the cost of the bread being 200 denari or pennies ($40.00) [6:7]
Then John adds: Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” [6:8-9]
Note the additions to this verse from John – bold
Thick grass – [6:10]
When the people saw Him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, He is the Prophet we have been expecting!”
When Jesus saw that they were ready to force Him to be their king, He slipped away into the hills by Himself. [6:14-15]
Then they were eager to let Him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination! [6:21]
Then comes John’s long insertion – John 6:22-71. study it carefully. Enough for today. Continuing story to come but we will take a break so you have time to work on it. Well a break Ian style, we will still do things worth doing but just not focus so closely on the text to give you time to work on it. I told you it was live!
If I read as many books as most men I should be a dull-witted as they.
Thomas Hobbes
You don’t fully understand a thing till you can explain it in a simple way. Confusing people is easy. You must THINK to be simple!
Rick Warren
I have never done a day’s work in my entire life. It was all fun!
Ian Vail
Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed up in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison