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h) Four Thousand Men Fed (Matthew 15:29-39)
MATTHEW 15:32-39
32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way.” 33 The disciples said to him, “Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?” 34 Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground; 36 and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala. (Matthew 14:31-21, Mark 8:1-6)
Christ looked at the hungry multitudes who had continued with Him three days and three nights listening to His words and seeing His miracles. He had compassion on them as they crowded around Him, and when He asked His disciples to help them, they confessed their inability to do so. Yet Christ taught them again His principle, that He would make much out of the little if put at His disposal in faith. Christ prayed before the people that were sitting around him, and thanked His Father for the seven loaves and the few fish in His hands. This thanksgiving was the secret of this miracle. The Son spoke to His Father and listened to His Father’s reply. Jesus was lowly in heart and eager to speak to His Father. He made Himself of no reputation and submitted to live on earth, yet still abiding with full harmony in Him. He thanked Him for the few loaves that were to be multiplied. Then Christ gave the bread and the fish to His disciples, and the four thousand men and their families were fed.
Our Lord Jesus keeps an account how long His followers continue in fixing their eyes on Him, and takes notice of the difficulty they experience in it (Revelation 2:2), “I know your works, your labor, and your patience,” and you shall, in no means, lose your reward.
Dear friend, trust in the power of Christ’s love, and commit your life to Him that He may use your few talents and make them a blessing to thousands. Put your time, money, and life at the Lord’s disposal, and consecrate yourself to Him at all times that you may experience the miracle of His power.
Christ’s power was not understood by His disciples. “Where could we have enough bread in the wilderness?” A proper question, one would think, like that of Moses, “Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to provide enough for them?” (Numbers 11:22) But considering the general assurance the disciples had of the power of Christ and the similar miracle they had recently experienced, it was not the correct question. They had not only been the witnesses, but the ministers, of the former miracle. The multiplied bread went through their hands! It was therefore an instance of weakness for them to ask. Forgetting former experiences can cause us to have present doubts.
PRAYER: Father, You created the world out of nothing. You gave to us Your forgiving love. Teach us faith and thankfulness that we may not reject Your power by our doubts. You love the simple and the little ones and have mercy on them. Help us that we may serve You in serving them, to thank You for our gifts, and to consecrate our lives thankfully to You. Take our hands and lead us as You will.
QUESTION:
- Why and how did Jesus multiply the bread and the fish for the four thousand and their families?