The Miracles of Jesus Part 24: The Feeding of the 4000+
Matthew 15:29-39, Mark 8:1-10, Mark 8:11-21 God’s provision is endless! Look to Him and not to the detractors in this world.
“Departing from there, Jesus went along by the Sea of Galilee, and having gone up on the mountain, He was sitting there. And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” The disciples *said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?” And Jesus *said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.”
Matthew 15:29-39 NASB1995
“In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and *said to them, “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. 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.” And His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” And He *directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. About four thousand were there; and He sent them away. And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha.”
Mark 8:1-10 NASB1995
The next miracle of Jesus is documented in Matthew and Mark. I included a short passage ahead of the miracle from Matthew to set the context. This is likely the same time that the deaf and mute man was healed in our last miracle and occurs after Jesus traveled to the Tyre region.
Jesus returns from that region and is now on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, in the “wilderness” of Decapolis. He is preaching and healing and ministering to mostly Gentiles at this point. The people have been the remote region for three days and He has compassion on them because they have had nothing to eat. The clueless twelve obviously had short-term memory problems because they have witnessed so many signs and wonders (and the feeding of 5000+ not that long ago), but they are still focused on earthly means for provision or on just giving up.
Many casual and skeptical observers of the Bible believe that this passage is a “mistake”, a retelling of the feeding of the 5,000+. However, David Guzik from Enduring Word commentary identifies how this second crowd-feeding miracle is different:
I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way: This miracle follows the same basic pattern as the feeding of the 5,000, except that it reveals that the disciples were generally as slow to believe as we are (where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?).
Perhaps the disciples had not “expected Jesus to use his Messianic power, when the crowd was a Gentile one.” (R.T. France)
It is important to see that this is not just a retelling of the previous feeding of the 5,000. There are many differences distinguishing this from the prior feeding of the 5,000:
Different numbers of those being fed.
Different locales (on the western [northern] and the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee).
Different seasons of the year, indicated by no mention of grass in the second account.
Different supply of food at the beginning.
Different number of baskets holding the leftovers, and even a different word for “baskets” in the second account. [The first feeding used smaller baskets, the second larger baskets].
Different period of time of waiting for the people (Matthew 15:32).
Other differences include the fact that Jesus prays twice over the food in the Mark version, first with the seven loaves of bread, then the disciples suddenly notice that they have a few small fish and He prays over them again before distribution. They fill seven large baskets with the leftovers. I have read some commentaries that find symbolism in the twelve leftover baskets from the feeding of the 5,000+ (twelve tribes of Israel, twelve disciples) and the seven large baskets from the feeding of the 4,000+ (seven representing completeness, by opening the path to salvation to all). Those are intriguing, to be sure, but I am also convinced that the Lord wants us to feed the hungry and not be wasteful with our resources and to call on Him for His provision.
Another answer to the critics who claim this is a retelling of the same story is found from the words of our Lord himself; let’s look at a passage further down in Mark 8:
“The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. Sighing deeply in His spirit, He *said, “Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side. And they had forgotten to take bread, and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them. And He was giving orders to them, saying, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” They began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread.
And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?””
Mark 8:11-21 NASB1995
As far as I’m concerned, that passage in Mark settles the question and the critics, as usual, don’t bother to read what they criticize. There were two miraculous feedings of thousands of people in the Galilee region, both Jews and Gentiles, with plenty left over and pointing to the Great Banquet that will someday happen for all believers. And those twelve knuckleheads who are following the Lord are arguing AGAIN about not having bread after being at these two events and having to lug around baskets of miraculous food, not realizing that Jesus is really telling them to watch the leaven (sin and pride) of the Pharisees and and Herod that can infiltrate their spiritual “bread”.
Jesus has remarkable patience with these disciples; I would have loved to hear His tone of voice as He questions them. In my humble opinion, it is entirely miraculous that the remnant eleven and the additional apostles that came along in the Apostolic church were as successful as they were considering how they could be so obtuse, but we can thank the Holy Spirit that He came to them to guide them and enlighten them. That same Holy Spirit can guide us to understanding, too.
How many times do we see or hear of God’s provision or healing or love or power, but then dismiss that as soon as we are distracted by “reality”? Science tells us there are no miracles, only things and events that haven’t been explained yet. But our God is all-powerful and supernatural and is actively doing new things now. I believe in His sovereignty and am looking at these marvelous signs and wonders again with childlike wonder. And all this talk about bread is making me hungry!
So what did we learn in this miracle?
The feeding of the 4,000+: Jesus can provide sustenance to those who are hungry for His word. He again miraculously creates adequate real food for thousands who are listening to Him, while also having to deal with the blindness and deafness of His disciples, who cannot put the big picture together and think outside their narrow worldly boxes of “reality”.
My next devotional examines the miracle of the healing of a blind man at Bethsaida, as documented in the Gospel of Mark.
Heaven on Wheels Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord - Help me to overcome my reliance on worldly “realities” and to see the truly miraculous supernatural powers that you possess. You are the creator of all that we see and have the power to provide us with spiritual bread for our souls and physical bread for our daily provision. We must seek to understand and keep our eyes on You. Amen
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Commentary from Enduring Word by David Guzik is used with written permission.
The Miracle List:
Water to wine: Jesus can overcome time, He creates beauty and abundance, and He shares in our joy.
Healing of the official’s son: Jesus can overcome space (distance), He does not need to see the person He heals, He has infinite power, but He also wants us to believe without signs and wonders.
Casting out of the evil spirit in the synagogue: The authority of Jesus is recognized by the demons and He triumphs over evil and silences it.
Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law: Jesus does not need crowds to demonstrate His power and He has compassion about the needs of one person, even if those needs seem smaller and only worthy of a couple of verses of scripture.
Healing and casting out demons of many in Capernaum (at Peter’s house): Jesus has compassion on all who come to Him and has no conditions that He places on giving them His mercy. He can heal instantly with a light touch and again demonstrates authority over demons and silences them.
Miraculous catch of fish on the Sea of Galilee: Jesus demonstrates His powers over His creation, He once again brings abundance, and He teaches humble fishermen that their task of bringing souls to Him is the most important thing they can do. They must follow Him.
Cleansing of the Leper: Jesus is willing to heal us, is compassionate towards those who suffer and can instantly cure a dreadful and feared disease. We must have faith when circumstances seem hopeless.
Healing of the Centurion’s Servant: Jesus came so that anyone who believes on His name is saved, Jew or Gentile. One of the most humble and devout persons that He encounters during His ministry is a Roman Centurion who cares and loves a servant who is sick or paralyzed. Jesus has instant authority over this illness, again eliminating space (distance) as a barrier to healing; He also marvels at this man’s faith.
Healing of the paralytic passed through the roof: Jesus demonstrates His ultimate authority as the Son of God to forgive sins and to heal a condition that seems irreversible. He can sense and read the hearts and thoughts of others. He turns a major disruption into a lesson on forgiveness. The friends of the paralytic show tremendous faith in how they solve this problem.
Healing of the withered hand on the Sabbath: Jesus can instantaneously heal a chronic condition, restoring a hand to full function. The man he heals exhibits great faith in His ability to heal and obeys Him. Jesus also challenges the assumptions and rules that have taken the place of faith and wisdom in the hearts of the Pharisees and Scribes. His anger is righteous; their rage is murderous.
Raising of the widow’s son from death: Jesus is filled with compassion for the suffering and grief of others. He has power over death and can restore us to joy and hope in the face of a hopeless situation. His endless grace and the power of His word are sufficient. We are to spring into action, serving Him and bringing His hope to the hopeless.
Taming the storm on the Sea: Jesus has the unlimited power to tame nature and He calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee instantly. His disciples, after seeing one miracle after another before this, are struck with memory loss when this crisis hits and forget that He is the Creator of the Universe and creation will obey Him. Jesus is there in the storms of life for those who believe on His name.
Casting demons into a herd of pigs: Jesus has the ultimate authority over evil and demons must have His permission to even enter into animals that immediately die. Demon possession is a real thing, but is likely rare and would not occur in a believer who is under the power of the Holy Spirit. We should not get so comfortable with evil surrounding us that we are fearful of holiness and good. Jesus wants us to tell others about His power and healing and to be without superstitions.
Healing of a woman with a bleeding disorder: Jesus knows when His healing powers are used and, with great love and compassion, tells this daughter of the Kingdom that her faith has made her well. Casual contact with Jesus doesn’t save us. We are saved by coming to Him with everything (sins, sufferings, distractions, hopes, and belief). Jesus cleanses and revives us!
Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus from the dead: Jesus, the Son of God, has power over life and death. His power is infinite - healing can come from a touch of His garment or a touch from His hands. His compassion is infinite. His words can bring a person back to life and He knows for those who believe that death is just sleep. Just as in His time, our age is filled with mockers and scorners and we must pray for those lost souls.
Jesus heals two blind men: Faith and persistence leads to miracles. Jesus extends mercy and compassion to those who are suffering and recognize Him as the Messiah, by healing two blind men who follow Him.
A mute demoniac is healed and speaks: Jesus has ultimate authority over evil and easily casts out a demon, allowing a man to finally speak. The Pharisees are not impressed and accuse Him of being a demon. As He continues His ministry and healings, He laments the lack of harvesters.
A man is healed by Jesus by the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath: Jesus homes in on a man among the many who has hopelessly waited for healing in the pool for 38 years. He asks him if he wants healing, then tells him to stand, take up his pallet, and walk. We are all waiting for something, but we should stop waiting and be actively seeking Him in our everyday lives through our worship and prayers. Human-made rules and rituals can separate us from our Creator, who is working to sustain us and His creation.
The feeding of the 5000+: Jesus is compassionate and involves his believers in provided abundance. Nothing is too meager or small for the Lord to use in a big way. The disciples continue to look for worldly answers to solve problems and He points them, once again, to His supernatural abilities. People are physically hungry and God’s resources should not be wasted. The Word is also needed to feed the masses spiritually.
Jesus walks on water: Jesus again demonstrates mastery over creation by walking on deep waters. His disciples don’t initially recognize Him, but when they do, Peter wants to join Him (Matthew account). Peter walks in faith a short distance, then is distracted by a worldly fear (the wind). Jesus grabs him to help home and asks him why he has so little faith and is full of doubts. The disciples declare Him the son of God.
Healing the many in Genneserat: Jesus has absolute power over Nature and over sickness. He heals many, often just from their touch of His garments. The crowds recognize Him but do not know Him.
Jesus heals the demon-possessed daughter of a Gentile: Jesus travels to a Gentile region and the only recorded act there is His response to the deep faith of a Gentile woman, who even turns aside His gentle remonstrations. She is the only person who is told directly that her faith is strong. The healing is once again a remote and instant casting out of the demon in the woman’s daughter.
Jesus heals a deaf and (mostly) dumb man: Jesus uses His supernatural healing powers in many different ways. He has compassion on this man and sighs heavenward when seeing the suffering in front of Him and uses unique healing techniques. He instantly heals this man’s hearing and speech, leaving many astounded.
The feeding of the 4,000+: Jesus can provide sustenance to those who are hungry for His word. He again miraculously creates adequate real food for thousands who are listening to Him, while also having to deal with the blindness and deafness of His disciples, who cannot put the big picture together and think outside their narrow worldly boxes of “reality”.
Jesus Christ It inspires the soul that there is a meaning in sharing bread! It is said that man lives by the word of God, isn't it? The people have been preaching the Word of God for 3 days but they are not hungry. This is amazing, 2 body needs food, 5 loaves of bread, 2 see feesh 5000! Isn't it a shame to lift 12 baskets while satisfying the people? Why are you hungry? Jesus is not dead anymore. God said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever drinks my blood and eats my flesh will live forever." 3 loaves and fishes, a mystery is hidden!! The world !We can understand the truth by looking into the mind of God, not by thinking in a certain way. We can't eat mats as easily as we eat bread, can we? Mats symbolize the way of life in human existence, the path of spiritual life, as a symbol of peace and harmony.Fish is a symbol of facing many problems in spiritual life. If this seems true, prayer for me.