We now have the lesser known, but equally amazing, feeding miracle, the feeding of the 4000. Some try to say this is just a retelling of the 5000 story, but they only day that because they don't believe in miracles. The gospel clearly presents it as a distinct event, and so it is.
As always, great crowds followed Jesus, bringing all sorts of sick people. Jesus healed them. Now it is quite likely that most of these people's primary reason for coming after Jesus was the desire to get healed. No doubt Jesus knew this, and knowing this He healed them. The healings were a demonstration of the reality of the kingdom of God.
This time the people had been there some three days. We might wonder how could this be, but with truly wonderful healings occurring no one would want to leave. Again, Jesus had compassion upon them.
The disciples had learnt nothing from the previous feeding miracle. Jesus adopted a similar approach to the previous time. Made use of what was available, gave thanks to God, and then got the disciples to get on with the job. Everyone was fed, and several baskets of leftovers were collected. Jesus then sent the crowds away and went off in a boat.
In all situations we should give thanks for what we have, make the most of it, and sometimes we may see a miracle occur.
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