This narrative falls mainly into two portions, both of which suggest for us some important lessons. There is first the preparations for the sign, and then there is the sign itself. Let us look at those two points in succession.
I. The preparations for the sign. Christ's preparation in making our poor resources adequate for anything, is to drive home into our hearts the consciousness of their insufficiency: "What are they among so many?" When we have once gone right down into the depths of felt impotence, and when our work has risen before us as if it were far too great for our poor strengths, which are weaknesses, then we are brought, and only then, into the position in which we may begin to hope that power equal to our desire will be poured into our souls. Note also the majestic preparation for blessing by obedience: "Make the men sit down." Sit you down when He bids you, and your mouths will not long be empty.
II. The sign itself. (1) It is a revelation of Christ continually, through all the ages sustaining man's physical life, for Christ is creator, our Christ is sustainer, our Christ moves the stars and feeds the sparrows. He opens His hand and there is the print of a nail in it and satisfies the desire of every living thing. (2) There is the sign and symbol of Him as the true bread and food of the world. That is the explanation and commentary which He Himself appends to it in the subsequent part of the chapter, in the great discourse which is founded upon this miracle.
A. Maclaren, Christian Commonwealth,Feb. 25, 1886.
References: John 6:11. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. iv., p. 89; H. J. Wilmot-Buxton, The Life of Duty,vol. i., p. 166.