Scripture

The disciples replied, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?”

Observation

Another large crowd gathers around Jesus, and for three days, they listen to his teaching. Jesus becomes concerned for them. If he sends them home, they will faint on the way.

The disciples ask, Jesus how are they supposed to find enough food to feed them out in the wilderness?

Jesus asks them how much bread they have. “Seven loaves,” they reply.

Jesus has the people sit down. He blesses the bread along with a few fish that they find. Everyone has enough to eat and there are seven large baskets of food left over.

There were four thousand people fed, Jesus sends them home after they have all eaten.

Application

While this story has some similarities with the feeding of the five thousand, there are a few differences to be noted.

In the previous event, they were close enough to farms and villages that the people could have dispersed and obtained food. Here they are in the wilderness.

Just as the Lord supplied food for the people of Israel in the wilderness following the exodus from Egypt, He now provides food for this group.

The previous event had been in Jewish land, but this event seems to have been located in Gentile country, suggesting that the crowd may have been mostly Gentiles.

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, God cares for your needs. He will provide everything necessary to sustain you as long as you are seeking His Kingdom.

Listen

Lord, what else do you want to say to me about this miracle?

Keith, you have experienced in your own life how I provide miraculously. When God’s people focus on me there is never anybody left in need, This was a powerful witness in the early church. Pepole’s hearts were so full of love for me and for each other that those who had plenty shared with those who had little.

I reward every act of generosity, with more opportunities to give even more. It becomes a cycle of virtue in which every need is met.

This must be done by grace. When it is commanded or required it becomes legalism, like socialism. The hearts must first be changed, so that sharing comes naturally, and so that those who receive help see it as a gift from me and not as an entitlement. Every man-made scheme will always fall apart Because of unsanctified human nature.