Matthew 15:29-39

JESUS FEEDS FOUR THOUSAND

Keywords 15:36

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

 

1. Jesus decides to feed the crowd (29-33)

Jesus moved from Tyre and Sidon back to the Sea of Galilee. Huge, needy crowds gathered. Jesus continued his healing ministry to what is believed to be a mostly Gentile crowd (who praise the God of Israel). Jesus expressed the same compassion to Gentiles as he did with Jewish crowds in chapter 14 by deciding to feed them. The disciples were at a loss at how to do that. They seemed to have forgotten what Jesus could do. How will you respond when God prompts you to participate in what he wants to do?

 

2. “How many loaves do you have?” (34-39)

Jesus asked the disciples what they had. It was only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. But Jesus took it, thanked his Father, broke it, and gave it to his disciples to distribute to the four thousand men besides woman and children. Everyone ate well, and there were even basketfuls of food left over. Let us not underestimate how God can bless others when we give him what we have.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for your tender care for all kinds of people. Help us to remember what you’ve done and offer what we have to you in faith.

One Word What can you offer to Jesus?