Feeding of The 5000
February 23, 2022
Commentary
The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle that is recorded in all four gospels. It takes place right after the disciples return from a successful preaching tour and Jesus had decided they could do with some needed rest (vv. 30-31). He had gotten into a boat with them and they had headed for a quiet, uninhabited spot on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee (v. 32). The crowds saw Jesus and His disciples going away and they were so eager to be with Him that they set out on foot around the lake (v. 33). At this particular place it was four miles by boat and ten miles by foot. When they reached the other side, the crowd was already waiting for them.
Having compassion on them Jesus began to teach them. (v. 34) As evening came they realized they needed something to eat but there wasn’t any place to get something out here in this country spot (vv. 35-38). Jesus asked everyone to be seated on the grass in an orderly fashion (vv. 39-40). The disciples found 5 loaves (small rolls) and 2 fishes, which it has been said were about the size of sardines. After Jesus had broken the bread and blessed it the disciples started distributing it to the people. They kept passing it out until all these hungry people had all they wanted (v. 41). After the five thousand had eaten they gathered up twelve baskets of leftovers (vv. 42-44).
Some people know how to create an appetizing meal when unexpected guests arrive by using leftovers from previous meals. Just as Jesus took remnants of food and used them to feed the 5000, God can use leftovers in our lives.
Leftover Time – A man waiting for a bus took a wire, bent it and created a paper clip.Leftover Possessions – Our church gives thousands of pieces of clothing to those in need.Leftover Health – Fanny Crosby was blind, but a great hymn writer.Leftover Faith – In Mark 9:23 Jesus says, “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Application
I need to ask myself - How do I usually react to interruptions? Do they make me frustrated or do I look to them as opportunities to meet needs? Does my attitude need to change?
Mark 6:30– 44 (NET)
30 Then the apostles gathered around Jesus and told him everything they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come with me privately to an isolated place and rest a while” (for many were coming and going, and there was no time to eat). 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to some remote place. 33 But many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they hurried on foot from all the towns and arrived there ahead of them. 34 As Jesus came ashore he saw the large crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.
35 When it was already late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is an isolated place and it is already very late. 36 Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “Should we go and buy bread for 200 silver coins and give it to them to eat?” 38 He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39 Then he directed them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. He gave them to his disciples to serve the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and they picked up the broken pieces and fish that were left over, twelve baskets full. 44 Now there were 5,000 men who ate the bread.
Illustration: Nothing But Leftovers
The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served us nothing but leftovers. The original meal had never been found. (Source Unknown).