This is the only miracle, excluding the resurrection, that is recorded in all four gospels. Many people followed Jesus because of the miracles and healings He had carried out. Matthew's account tells us that Jesus healed many of them, and Mark tells us that He also taught them many things. Teaching and healing went together in Jesus' ministry.
Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Jesus asked Philip how they were going to feed the people. Philip could see no practical solution. Philip was asked because he came from Bethsaida, a nearby town.
Andrew says there is a boy with five loaves and two fish, but cannot see how that will help. Jesus took what He had, thanked God, and then distributed the food. The other gospels make it clear that the disciples took part in the distribution.
Afterwards the disciples collected the leftovers and there were twelve baskets of food left.
It was near the time of the Jewish Passover. The people were looking for a prophet like Moses to come, and the Passover would have heightened this expectation. It is also why the supplying of food made the miracle have such a redolent effect with the people. Jesus had no intention of letting the people make Him king.
Jesus took what He had, and used it. Often we can think that we do not have enough, whether it be material resources, or abilities. We should take what we have, give thanks to God and see what happens. Jesus was guided by compassion for the people and trust in His Father. We need to do likewise.
Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Jesus asked Philip how they were going to feed the people. Philip could see no practical solution. Philip was asked because he came from Bethsaida, a nearby town.
Andrew says there is a boy with five loaves and two fish, but cannot see how that will help. Jesus took what He had, thanked God, and then distributed the food. The other gospels make it clear that the disciples took part in the distribution.
Afterwards the disciples collected the leftovers and there were twelve baskets of food left.
It was near the time of the Jewish Passover. The people were looking for a prophet like Moses to come, and the Passover would have heightened this expectation. It is also why the supplying of food made the miracle have such a redolent effect with the people. Jesus had no intention of letting the people make Him king.
Jesus took what He had, and used it. Often we can think that we do not have enough, whether it be material resources, or abilities. We should take what we have, give thanks to God and see what happens. Jesus was guided by compassion for the people and trust in His Father. We need to do likewise.
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