Some translations and some explainers create the impression that the people are waiting for Jesus along the shore, at his arrival. That is not correct. It says that “after he went ashore” he saw a great crowd (ἐξελθὼν, not ἐξερχομενος). He came with the Twelve across the lake, leaves the boat and then sees when he enters the desolate area that people are already coming together at the mountain (John 6:3–5).1
34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.