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Notes on Matthew 14, The Feeding of the 5000 Plus

I am teaching this passage tomorrow. Here are my speaking notes. 

Four passages in the Gospels record this event. Otherwise, there are only a few that are repeated by all four, and those mostly around the crucifixion. The Last Supper is one, and it predicts this event.

Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:12–17, and John 6:1–14. [1]

Matthew 14:13-21. The four steps, took bread, blessed, broke, and distributed. Pointing toward the final feast (Rev. 19:6-9)

Matthew 26:26

Luke 24: 30; 22:19; 9:1

“They knew him in the breaking of the bread.”

The commonalities:

Crowd of people followed him on foot while he took a boat to the location. It happened after miracles of healing.

Took place later in the day.

The disciples basically wanted to send them away. Jesus did not. They complain or show their lack of faith somehow.

The basics of two fish and five loaves of bread.

That there were more than 5000 (plus women and children)

The disciples distributed it ( in an orderly way). Jesus was in charge. “Sit down in companies of 50”

Twelve basketsful. (where did the baskets come from?)

Differences:

Followed by walking on water (Matthew, Mark, and John)

Luke mentions more specific details.

Mark and Luke place it after the disciples had returned from their mission.

Matthew puts the event in the context of John the Baptist just being executed and Jesus needing time alone. Herod had a banquet of selfishness, death, and sordid behavior for rich people; Jesus fed the poor with compassion.

John includes a long section of difficult teaching and discussion that causes some “followers” to walk away.

Why did all four gospel writers include this account?

One reason is that there were Old Testament accounts that are similar. Manna; 2 King 4:42-44.

Jesus has power of natural processes. Also to reveal truths about him and some who followed him.

To reveal him as true Messiah and King versus human kings.

Jesus had many reasons for doing this miracle: for the people, for his disciples. What do you personally glean from these accounts?

I find it interesting that Jesus say, “you give them something to eat.” How do you see that? They did have something to offer, as we do. He didn’t magically create food. We have a responsibility to use what we have. We have a responsibility to see the needs around us. (Pantry). We have a responsibility to expect Christ to do the work we cannot.

This event is about the compassion of Jesus, the He is more than enough and satisfies, and we need the eyes of faith. This was a new thing, though, so I wouldn’t be that hard on the disciples! In John the connection that Jesus brought physical food but his body being crucified will bring us spiritual satisfaction (like Woman at the well). 

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