Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

Genesis 49:29-50:14
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
March 16, 2010

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance. His disciples answered, But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them? How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked. Seven, they replied. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it. Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. -Mark 8:1-10

Jesus fed 4,000 with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. They ended up with seven baskets of leftovers! Kinda like when Mom makes spaghetti – you have it for leftovers for days! This is one of Jesus’ many miracles. He shows compassion on the multitude and feeds them with what He has. After blessing it He gives it to the people. 4,000 men were fed, not to mention wives and children. In all it may have been about 12,000 fed! Wow! Jesus set the table and the people left satisfied.

Kathy Jenkins

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast sent Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross that all mankind should follow the example of His great humility, mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of His patience and also be made partakers of His resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord.


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