John 6:5 Commentary and Bible Study

Christ and his disciples, were there sitting on a hillside, and he was instructing them, no doubt explaining to them about John the Baptist and his office and role, and the antagonism of Herod that brought an end to his life. But when he lifted up his eyes, he saw the crowds in the distance, and they were coming in great numbers. So he selects Philip and he says to him, ‘Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?’ They were in a remote place. The place they were near was named Bethsaida, house of fish. Some people say, Ah, Philip came from Bethsaida. The reason Philip was asked was he knew the reason. But Philip came from another Bethsaida in Galilee on the other side of the lake, which in due course they would head back towards. So Philip was a stranger round here. So why did the Lord select Philip? It was not because Philip was a local; he was not. It was to prove him, to test his faith. We are going to see an example of God’s work in the lives of his people, the Lord is constantly refining, proving our faith, putting it to the test. Well, what should Philip have responded?