Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Date: Apr. 22, 2022

Passage

Mark 6:30-44 (ESV)

30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 6:41

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all.

"Are we to go spend that much on bread?" The disciples were startled when Jesus told them to give the crowd something to eat. They were in a remote place. The intention was for the disciples to have a much needed retreat with Jesus after their mission trip. The disciples’ compassion had probably run out, and it felt like a sensible thing to send the crowd away so that they could attend to their own needs. Then the disciples could take a break.

However, Jesus guided them to understand what it meant to take care of God's flock. "You give them something to eat." Jesus told his disciples it was their responsibility to feed the crowd and then asked them to bring what they had. All they could gather was five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus gave thanks for the food and told the disciples to distribute food to the crowd. A crowd of five thousand men ate well with abundant leftovers.

We don't know how it happened. It was a miracle. When Jesus wanted to feed the crowd out of compassion, the disciples brought the little food they could find. As Jesus prayed with a thankful heart, God blessed them to have enough to feed everyone.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, I often feel like I don't have enough to feed your flock. But I bring my five loaves and two fish. Please use it in your great work.

One Word: One Word: Bring my five loaves and two fish.

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references