John 6:14
When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The crowd, overwhelmed by the sign of the feeding, didn't just recognize Jesus as a prophet, but specifically identified Him as "the Prophet" promised in Deuteronomy—the one whose coming was anticipated as a foundational sign of the Messiah. This wasn't a casual observation; it was their immediate conclusion that this miracle pointed directly to the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, marking Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
Just after Jesus miraculously fed thousands with a few loaves, the crowd recognized this powerful sign and declared him to be "the Prophet" prophesied to come. This realization immediately led them to plan to force Jesus to be their king, a move he recognized as a misunderstanding of his true mission. Jesus then withdrew, and his disciples set out across the sea, encountering a storm before he miraculously joined them.
They saw Jesus perform an incredible act. Immediately, they knew who He was. What does it mean to truly 'see' Jesus?
The crowd's reaction in John 6:14 is a powerful example of people recognizing Jesus based on His actions. They witness the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and exclaim, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
Signs Point to Truth
This wasn't just a random guess. The Old Testament, particularly Deuteronomy 18:15, promised a prophet like Moses, and the people were expecting him. Jesus' miracle was a sign – a divine pointer – that fulfilled this expectation.
More Than Just a Miracle
While they recognized Him as a prophet, their understanding was limited. They saw the sign but not yet the full truth of His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. Their recognition was based on power, but it was a starting point.
Jesus' Purpose
Jesus performed signs not just to be recognized, but to reveal God's nature and to draw people to Himself. The challenge for us is to look beyond the 'miracles' and see the deeper truth Jesus reveals about Himself.
They identified Jesus as the promised Prophet, but their next move reveals a dangerous misunderstanding. What kind of kingdom did they want, and why did Jesus reject it?
The crowd's enthusiastic declaration in John 6:14 – “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” – quickly led to an attempt to force Jesus to be their king. This highlights a common human tendency: to shape God's plans to fit our own desires.
An Earthly Kingdom
These people saw Jesus' power to feed thousands and immediately envisioned Him as a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's earthly glory. They wanted a king who would provide for them and lead them to victory, much like they imagined Moses had.
Understand the original words
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A supernatural act performed by Jesus intended to point beyond itself to His identity, authority, and divine mission. It is a visible demonstration of His kingdom power meant to evoke faith.
prophētēs · Greek Noun
A reference to the promise in Deuteronomy 18:15 regarding a messianic figure who would be a prophet like Moses, whom the people of Israel were to heed. Identifying Jesus as 'the Prophet' indicates the crowd recognized His divine authority and messianic role.
The people's immediate cry, 'This is indeed the Prophet,' reveals they saw Jesus through the lens of Old Testament expectations, specifically the prophet like Moses prophesied in Deuteronomy 18. Their desire to make him king by force shows a misunderstanding of his true mission, mistaking a spiritual kingdom for an earthly one.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Gives the Law
Moses, the great prophet and lawgiver, leads the Israelites out of Egypt. His leadership and miraculous signs set a precedent for future prophetic figures.
c. 750 BC
Prophets Foretell a Coming Leader
Prophets like Isaiah and Micah speak of a future anointed one, the Messiah, who will bring justice and restore Israel, shaping expectations for centuries.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus begins his public ministry, performing miracles, teaching with authority, and gathering followers in the region of Galilee.
c. AD 30/33— this verse
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously multiplies loaves and fish to feed a vast crowd. This event deeply impresses the onlookers with his power and sign-working ability.
barnesJohn 6:14: "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."
That Prophet ... - The Messiah. The power to work the miracle, and the benevolence manifested in it, showed that he was the long-expected Messiah.
vincentJohn 6:14: "Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world."
That should come (ὁ ἐρχόμενος)Literally, the one coming. Rev., that cometh. John 6:15-21. Compare Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-52.
The crowd, overwhelmed by the sign of the feeding, didn't just recognize Jesus as a prophet, but specifically identified Him as "the Prophet" promised in Deuteronomy—the one whose coming was anticipated as a foundational sign of the Messiah. This wasn't a casual observation; it was their immediate conclusion that this miracle pointed directly to the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, marking Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
Just after Jesus miraculously fed thousands with a few loaves, the crowd recognized this powerful sign and declared him to be "the Prophet" prophesied to come. This realization immediately led them to plan to force Jesus to be their king, a move he recognized as a misunderstanding of his true mission. Jesus then withdrew, and his disciples set out across the sea, encountering a storm before he miraculously joined them.
Just after Jesus miraculously fed thousands with a few loaves, the crowd recognized this powerful sign and declared him to be "the Prophet" prophesied to come. This realization immediately led them to plan to force Jesus to be their king, a move he recognized as a misunderstanding of his true mission. Jesus then withdrew, and his disciples set out across the sea, encountering a storm before he miraculously joined them.
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Jesus' Spiritual Kingdom
Jesus, however, knew His mission was not about earthly power but about a spiritual kingdom. When He realized they wanted to 'make Him king' by force, He withdrew (John 6:15). His kingdom is not of this world; it's about eternal life and reconciliation with God.
Our Own 'Forceful' Faith?
This story challenges us. Do we sometimes try to force Jesus into a mold that fits our expectations? Do we want a 'Jesus' who just solves our problems and meets our material needs, rather than the One who calls us to follow Him, deny ourselves, and live for His eternal purposes?
c. AD 30/33
Crowd Attempts to Make Jesus King
After the feeding miracle, the crowd, recognizing Jesus as the promised Prophet, tries to seize him and force him to become their earthly king.
"When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”" — The crowd, overwhelmed by the sign of the feeding, didn't just recognize Jesus as a prophet, but specifically identified Him as "the Prophet" promised in Deuteronomy—the one whose coming was antici…
