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John 6:5
ESV Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?"
NIV When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
NASB So Jesus, after raising His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, *said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread so that these people may eat?'
CSB So when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, "Where will we buy bread so that these people can eat?"
NLT Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, 'Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?'
KJV When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat
NKJV Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”

What does John 6:5 mean?

Jesus' response to the crowd's hunger begins as a test of His disciples. This is a strong contrast to the temptations of the Devil, who probes our faith looking for weaknesses to lead us towards sin. God's tests, on the other hand, are meant to refine our faith. The following reactions give us some insight into the unique way we, as Christians, might respond to opportunities for service which God places in our paths.

The varied reactions of the disciples are especially instructive, particularly as recorded in Mark 6:36. There, we see that their initial response to the problem is an attempt to just "send them away." Jesus, of course, rejects this option and presses the men on what to do. Philip's answer, possibly sarcastic, is to throw money at the problem. Andrew suggests working to solve it. Jesus' answer to the dilemma is to start with an appeal to God, rather than an appeal to human ability.

Jesus' question to Philip is purposefully leading him in a certain direction. According to the next few verses, the crowd was large enough that providing each with only a snack would have cost a laborer several months' wages.
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