Jesus was teaching and preaching to a great number of people, in a remote place and it was getting late, so, “the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Send the crowds away, so they can go and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. YOU GIVE THEM something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” Jesus said. And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They ALL ATE and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up TWELVE BASKETFULS of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about FIVE THOUSAND MEN, BESIDES WOMEN AND CHILDREN.” (Matthew 14:15-21)
Not unlike Jesus’ healing miracles, His feeding of the crowd shows HIS COMPASSION toward us and our needs. Jesus cares for us in our ordinary hunger and demonstrates His loving hospitality.
“Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. GREAT CROWDS CAME, bringing the lame, blind, crippled, mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and HE HEALED THEM. The people were amazed…and they praised the God of Israel. Jesus called His disciples, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me THREE DAYS and have NOTHING TO EAT. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, Jesus broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up SEVEN BASKETFULS OF BROKEN PIECES that were left over. The number of those who ate was FOUR THOUSAND MEN, BESIDES WOMEN AND CHILDREN.” (Matthew 15:29-38) Many Commentators believe that including women and children, there were about 20,000 with the first group and 15,000 with the second group that’s 35,000 PEOPLE MIRACULOUSLY FED. NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR THE LORD!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham