Jesus the King by Timothy Keller
Week 6: Chapter 5 — The Bread
Read Chapter 5 of Jesus the King. Primary text: Mark 6:1–8:21.
Previewing Week 6 of Jesus the King
Read 3 of 6 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
Through the feeding of thousands, walking on water, and continuing controversies with religious leaders, Keller shows Jesus revealing himself as the true bread — the one who satisfies what no earthly provision can.
Discussion Questions
6 questions1.Jesus feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. Keller connects this to the manna in the wilderness and argues that Jesus is presenting himself as a new Moses — and more than Moses. How does the Exodus background deepen the meaning of this miracle? What is Jesus claiming about himself through this sign?
2.After feeding the crowd, Jesus walks on water toward the disciples' boat. Mark adds a puzzling comment: "He was about to pass by them." Keller connects this to the language of Old Testament theophanies — God "passing by" in Exodus and 1 Kings. What is the significance of this allusion? What is Mark trying to say about who Jesus is?
3.Mark records that after both the feeding of the five thousand and the feeding of the four thousand, the disciples are confused and "hardened in heart." Keller finds this indictment of the disciples oddly comforting. Why? What does it mean that even those closest to Jesus could be so slow to understand him?