Lessons from Matthew 14: Feeding 5,000
When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death and the horrific events which took place, He sought to withdraw by boat to a solitary place.
Ever feel like that when something lays heavy on your heart and fills your mind?
When the crowds heard about this they followed Jesus on foot and when He arrived there was already a large crowd. But He didn’t send them away to be alone in His grief and seek His Father in heaven who alone could comfort Him.
Jesus set aside His own desires and had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Jesus knew His time was short. The death of John the Baptist was yet another evidence of how great the opposition had grown and it wouldn’t be long before Jesus Himself would give His life. But there was still so much to do. So many who needed to hear the truth, so many who needed help and caring for. So many and such a little bit of time left.
As the evening approached, the disciples came to Him and were concerned that the place in which they had come was very secluded and it was getting late. They lacked the provisions so many who had come would have need of. The disciples suggested to Jesus that He send the crowds away, so they could go back to the villages and buy food for themselves.
But Jesus had other plans, as He usually does.
His plan was to stay where they were and to provide what they had need of. But the disciples said there wasn’t enough. They only had five loaves of bread and two fish!
Jesus told them to bring what they had to Him. Next, He directed the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish and He looked up to heaven and gave thanks for what they had. He then began to break the loaves and hand them to the disciples who gave the bread to the people.
And the scriptures tell us that ALL ate and were satisfied!
When they were done, the disciples picked up 12 baskets full of leftovers. The number of those fed on that day was estimated to be around 5,000 men along with their women, not to mention their children.
What can we learn from this? Relying on Jesus means receiving His provision and His power to serve others.
First, Jesus Himself was moved by compassion. As He looked out over the people He saw them as sheep without a shepherd.
Who is it in your life who seems to be wandering around like a lost sheep? And how do you think God wants you to come alongside them and lead them into His pasture?
Jesus set aside His personal wants, needs, and desires and went about His Father’s business even though He was probably full of grief, wanting to be alone, tired, and maybe even hungry Himself. He was fully human and yet fully God!
Immanuel, God with us!
Secondly, instead of sending the crowd away, Jesus took what they had and He gave thanks to God the Father. He then simply began to do the work of handing out the food.
Do you do that when you find yourself short on time, money, energy or any other provision of need? Do you stop and take what you have and give thanks to God for whatever portion you might have? And do you ask Him to bless it and then watch Him multiply the resources and do more than you ever dreamed or imagined?
He does, you know!
And then do you remember to offer up your praise for what He has done?
That seemed to be lacking here. There was no evidence of praise or gratefulness. In fact, it was quite the opposite. After this miraculous feeding, the people only sought to take Jesus by force because of all that He had done for them.
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him. He tried to dismiss the crowd and then quietly slipped out to go back up the mountainside by Himself to pray.
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach