Day 173 of 365
FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND
Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only pre-crucifixion miracle recorded in all four Gospels, and it is significant for a multitude of reasons. Through this miracle, Jesus fulfilled the expectation of those looking forward to a new prophet after Moses (Jn 1:21; Ac 3:22; 7:37). While Moses was their prophet-leader, the Israelites received manna from heaven. Jesus' provision of bread parallels the miracle that the Israelites experienced under Moses and thus fulfills Deuteronomy 18:15 (quoted twice in Acts, referred to above). Also, Jesus showed that he could supply both the physical and the spiritual "daily bread" requested in the prayer in Matthew 6:11. Finally, Jesus showed that he is the Messiah who will provide the coming Messianic banquet (Ps 132:15; Isa 25:6; Mt 22:1 - 14; 26:29). Not only does the feeding of the five thousand preview that kingdom banquet, but it also provides a wholesome contrast to the degenerate banquet held by Herod in Matthew 14:1 - 12. In giving the people physical bread, Jesus showed that he was the compassionate provider that his people needed.
Jesus, you are the compassionate provider. Thank you for meeting and exceeding my needs. You are so good to me. Amen.
Matthew 14:13-21 NASB
13 Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.
15 When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, "This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." 16 But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!" 17 They said to Him, "We have here only five loaves and two fish." 18 And He said, "Bring them here to Me." 19 Ordering the people to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, 20 and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. 21 There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.
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