There are only two miracles that are covered in all five of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John): The Resurrection and the feeding of the 5,000. If that's the case, then the feeding of the 5,000 must be pretty significant. It's also not an accident that the story came after King Herod's banquet in the book of Mark.
In verses 30-44, we know that the disciples were tired and wanted rest despite the crowds continuing to seek after Jesus. Jesus's disciples were annoyed and didn't want to deal with the crowds. However, Jesus wasn't annoyed and he showed compassion, patience, and affection towards them. The way we view people shows how we should respond. The disciples saw it as a disadvantage. They were thinking that if they have that many people, how could they feed them? Jesus saw them as people that needed guidance and love. Maybe that's why you're here today. You've heard of Jesus and want to know more about Him.
Jesus never gets tired of meeting our needs. Jesus's compassion has no end. Jesus was tired but still taught them. When Jesus teaches us, he refreshes our spirits.
In verses 35-44, we see Jesus continuing to teach, but dinner time is approaching and everyone is hungry. The disciples quickly forgot and said that they should send the crowds away. They thought it would be an impossible task to feed them. The disciples saw Jesus do many miracles, so you would think that they would have the attitude that Jesus was going to take care of it. But they're humans. They quickly forgot and panicked. On the other hand, Jesus was in control and focused on what they had and not on what they didn't have. Jesus told them "You lack nothing". Jesus + Nothing = Everything.
What they don't realize is that they're about to have a feast (vs. 39). They're in the wilderness but Jesus tells them to sit on the green grass. There's a lot of imagery here. Green tells us that it was spring time. This story reflects a picture of life and abundance. In the English version, it says Jesus told the people to sit down. But in Greek, he actually said "recline". He's using banquet language. A banquet is a festive celebration and there's plenty to eat.
Who was invited to Herod's banquet (Mark 6:14-29)? Only the elite and most important. It's invite only. Jesus's banquet is in the open field and everyone is invited. Herod's main event was for his own self-indulgence and provocative dancing. Beautiful women would parade in front of him to please his own desires and no one else's. Jesus's banquet focused on all of his guests and he made sure everyone was taken care of. He saw them as sheep without a shepherd. Jesus did whatever he could for the benefit of his sheep. Power corrupted Herod and killed a righteous man (John the Baptist). Herod used his power in a wicked way. Jesus is all-powerful but he isn't corrupt. You can trust Him because he uses his power for the good of his people.
A true shepherd (1) provides, (2) guides, and (3) protects his sheep. Herod fails in all of these. In Jesus's banquet, a righteous man eventually dies. The person that dies is the host of the banquet and by his own choice. He did this so that others could partake in the banquet. In Jesus's banquet, they all ate and were satisfied. Jesus always gives us what we need. We are all invited to Jesus's banquet. His nails in his hands show how much he loves us. See Isaiah 25:6-8. You can also read how much Jesus has to offer you in Psalm 23. Will you join in his banquet?
Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy
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