Today, we start off with the story of the feeding of the 5,000.  It is recorded in all four gospels.  And each gospel brings a few unique insights that the others don’t include.  But together, the story presents us with an incredible picture.   

Jesus and His disciples retreated to a “desert place”, but they were followed by a “great multitude” of people.  Jesus “was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” 

Matthew 14:15 “And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victual.” – meaning food.  Now watch as the Master startles his disciples.   

Verse 16 “But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; given ye them to eat.”  If the disciples really knew who Jesus was, they would have asked Him to produce manna from heaven or call forth some quails to feed the masses.  Instead, they only comment on how the situation looks impossible – how there are no options readily available to solve the problem.  After witnessing miracle after miracle, they never considered another one for this situation.  Their response to the Lord Verse 17 “And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves (of bread), and two fishes.”  Now, I’m sure the disciples were thinking, “but what’s that going to amount to?”  Verses 18-20 “He said, Bring them hither to me.  And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, an