Verses	Scene	Content
30–32	Setting the scene	The apostles report to Jesus. Jesus takes them to a solitary place to rest.
33–34	Scene 1: Rising action	A large crowd arrives. Jesus has compassion on the shepherdless crowd and teaches them.
35–36	Scene 2: Problem	The disciples ask Jesus to send the crowd away to buy food.
37–38	Scene 3: Climax	Jesus orders the disciples to feed the crowd. The disciples are confounded.
39–41	Scene 4: Resolution	Jesus blesses the insufficient food; they distribute it to the crowd.
42–44	Ending	The food multiplies; all eat and are satisfied.

There is a revealing chiasm with verse 37b placed at the centre:

A The disciples did not have time to eat (6:30–32)
  B Jesus feels compassion for the crowd (6:33–34)
    C The disciples speak (6:35–36)
      D Jesus gives a command (6:37a)
        X The disciples are perplexed (6:37b)
      D′ Jesus gives a command (6:38a)
    C′ The disciples speak (6:38b)
  B′ Jesus feeds the crowd out of compassion (6:39–41)
A′ All eat and are satisfied (6:42–44)