And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the crowd followed Jesus because they "saw the signs" He was performing. This isn't just about witnessing a single event, but about a continuous series of healings that demonstrated His power, drawing people in as they observed His ongoing work. It underscores that their interest was rooted in the visible evidence of God's power at work through Him.
And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had just crossed the Sea of Galilee to a more secluded area after hearing about John the Baptist's death, and now a large crowd was tracking him. They weren't following for spiritual reasons but because they had witnessed Jesus performing incredible healing miracles, which sparked their curiosity and hope for more. This pursuit sets the stage for Jesus's later feeding of the five thousand, an event that highlights the people's earthly focus versus Jesus's deeper spiritual purpose.
What draws a crowd to Jesus? This verse highlights a crucial, yet often overlooked, motivation behind the masses following Him.
The crowd in John 6 wasn't just casually interested in Jesus; they were actively following Him because they had witnessed His power.
The Power of the Spectacle
The original Greek words translated as 'following' and 'doing' are in a continuous tense. This means it wasn't a one-time event, but an ongoing pattern. Jesus kept on performing signs, and the crowd kept on following.
Seeking the Benefits, Not the Blessing
They saw "the signs that he was doing on the sick." This points to a focus on the tangible results of Jesus' power – healing. It's a desire for the miraculous benefits, the relief from suffering, rather than a deep yearning for the person of Jesus Himself.
This sets the stage for Jesus to challenge their motives later in the chapter, as He contrasts their desire for physical bread with the eternal nourishment He offers.
The journey to find Jesus wasn't always straightforward. Discover the deliberate steps the crowd took and what it reveals about their pursuit.
The followers in John 6 weren't just passively observing; they were actively engaged in a pursuit. This involved effort and a knowledge of Jesus' movements.
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The Journey's Effort
The verbs indicate a continuous action – they 'were following' and 'were beholding' the signs Jesus 'was doing'. This wasn't a passive following from afar; it required them to move, to track His whereabouts, and to witness His actions.
Navigating the Landscape
Commentary suggests they likely traveled around the head of the lake or even forded the Jordan River to keep pace with Jesus. This wasn't a casual stroll; it was a determined effort to reach Him. They were 'spectators' of the signs, indicating they were present and watching the events unfold.
This persistent, active pursuit highlights how tangible evidence can drive people toward a spiritual figure, even if their ultimate understanding or commitment is still developing.
Understand the original words
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A term used throughout the Gospel of John to denote miraculous acts that serve as indicators or proofs of Jesus’ messianic identity and divine power. They point beyond the event itself to the nature and mission of the Son of God.
oros · Greek Noun
A designated place of divine encounter and revelation. Throughout Scripture, mountains are often places where God reveals His law, glory, or purposes to His people.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A learner or follower of Jesus; one who has committed to walk in His ways, learn His teachings, and identify with His mission.
The large crowd following Jesus wasn't just drawn to his words, but to the tangible evidence of his power—the healing miracles. This immediate, physical response highlights how the crowds initially perceived Jesus as a source of practical help and relief, a dynamic that sets the stage for Jesus's deeper spiritual teachings that followed.
c. AD 28-29
Return of the Twelve Disciples
Jesus's twelve disciples returned from their missionary journeys, having demonstrated signs and wonders, which likely increased public awareness and anticipation of Jesus's ministry.
c. AD 28-29
Death of John the Baptist
John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod Antipas. His death removed a significant figure and potentially caused some of his followers to turn to Jesus.
c. AD 28-29
Jesus Crosses the Sea of Galilee
Jesus, accompanied by his disciples, crossed the Sea of Galilee, likely seeking a period of rest after recent events and ministry.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
Jesus Heals the Sick
Jesus continued to perform numerous miraculous healings of the sick as he ministered. These signs were powerful public demonstrations of his divine authority and compassion.
c. AD 28-29
Passover Feast Approaching
The annual Passover festival was near. Many pilgrims would be traveling towards Jerusalem, increasing the population in the region and fueling curiosity about Jesus's ministry.
This passage describes a similar situation where Jesus, seeing the large crowd, had compassion on them and healed their sick, highlighting the persistent crowds drawn to Jesus' healing power.
John 6:26This verse directly addresses the crowd's motivation, revealing they followed Jesus not for spiritual understanding but because they were fed, underscoring the superficial reasons many sought Him out.
Acts 14:11This passage shows a reaction to a powerful sign (healing of a lame man) where the crowds, in their astonishment, mistook Paul and Barnabas for gods, illustrating how miraculous signs could lead to misguided worship.
Luke 9:11Here, Jesus welcomes the crowds and speaks to them about the kingdom of God, showing that while many were drawn by signs, Jesus still used these opportunities to teach spiritual truths.
barnesJohn 6:2: "And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased."
Because they saw his miracles ... - They saw that he had the power to supply their wants, and they therefore followed him. See John 6:26 . Compare also Matthew 14:14 .
vincentJohn 6:2: "And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased."
Multitude (ὄχλος)See on John 1:19.Followed (ἠκολούθει)Imperfect tense, denoting not merely the following on this occasion, but generally.Saw (ἑώρων)Rev., beheld. See on John 1:18.His miraclesOmit his. Render, as Rev., the signs.He did (ἐποίει)Imperfect, was doing, from time to time.
The verse highlights that the crowd followed Jesus because they "saw the signs" He was performing. This isn't just about witnessing a single event, but about a continuous series of healings that demonstrated His power, drawing people in as they observed His ongoing work. It underscores that their interest was rooted in the visible evidence of God's power at work through Him.
Jesus had just crossed the Sea of Galilee to a more secluded area after hearing about John the Baptist's death, and now a large crowd was tracking him. They weren't following for spiritual reasons but because they had witnessed Jesus performing incredible healing miracles, which sparked their curiosity and hope for more. This pursuit sets the stage for Jesus's later feeding of the five thousand, an event that highlights the people's earthly focus versus Jesus's deeper spiritual purpose.
Jesus had just crossed the Sea of Galilee to a more secluded area after hearing about John the Baptist's death, and now a large crowd was tracking him. They weren't following for spiritual reasons but because they had witnessed Jesus performing incredible healing miracles, which sparked their curiosity and hope for more. This pursuit sets the stage for Jesus's later feeding of the five thousand, an event that highlights the people's earthly focus versus Jesus's deeper spiritual purpose.
"And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples." — The verse highlights that the crowd followed Jesus because they "saw the signs" He was performing. This isn't just about witnessing a single event, but about a continuous series of healings that demo…
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Last reviewed October 2026