Mark 8:1-9
1 In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus summoned His disciples and *said to them,
2 “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me for three days already and have nothing to eat.
3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.”
4 And His disciples replied to Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?”
5 And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.”
6 And He *directed the people to recline on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve, and they served them to the people.
7 They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He told the disciples to serve these as well.
8 And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces.
9 About four thousand men were there; and He dismissed them.
The Feeding of the 4,000
The blessings for the Gentiles
Continuing from the previous passage, the blessings are given to the Gentiles. However, this miracle is distinct from the previous one with the feeding of the 5,000. (1) There is a difference in numbers of people. Previously, it was 5,000 people, but this time it’s 4,000. (2) The number of loaves and fish is different. In the previous miracle, there were 5 loaves and 2 fish. Here, there are 7 loaves and a few fish. (3) How much were leftover is different. Previously, there were 12 baskets full leftover, but this time, there are 7 baskets. (4) The people who ate and were satisfied are different. The main audience of the previous miracle were the Jews, while this time, it is centered around the Gentiles. This miracle occurred on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis (Mark 7:31). This area was predominantly Gentile, part of Herod Philip’s territory. This miracle carries a prophetic message that even the Gentiles will also be included in God’s blessings.
Training the disciples
(1) Jesus demonstrated His compassion for the crowd. These people had been following Jesus for three days without food. Jesus was concerned that if He sent them home hungry, they might faint on the way. What is required to be a disciple is to share in Jesus’ love and have a compassionate heart toward the weak. (2) The disciples responded, saying, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” It feels bit strange looking at how passively the disciples responded. Had they not learned anything from the previous miracle with the loaves? Or was there perhaps some reluctance within them to distribute loaves to the Gentiles? Have you been reflecting on the many graces the Lord has done for you? Blesses are those who learn from past experiences and apply them in the present. The Lord who has saved us from numerous trials in the past will continue to protect us. (3) Jesus once again took the minimal resources he had (seven loaves and a few fish), multiplied it, and distributed them to the crowd through the hands of His disciples. Even today, God is continuing His work through us. Let’s learn to surrender what we have to Jesus and work alongside Him according to His way.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I am remembering all the good things You have done for me. I trust that You will continue to protect and guide me, and I am filled with peace. I give my thanks to You. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.