The Feeding of the Multitudes

The desert referred to in Matthew 14 can be compared to the world in which we live. The multitude are seeking Christ within the world which offers nothing of substance. Unbelievers will see the provisions for feeding them as slight and of no consequence. Christ's bread however, proves more than enough for everyone. His compassion was directed to their bodies as well as their souls. We should do likewise as we emulate him in our own conduct. It is not enough to proselytize for the salvation of people, but our concern needs to extend to the physical welfare of others as well. We should note that when the disciples suggested that the people depart in order to find their sustenance, Jesus told them that there was no need for that. Here is an instruction to look to Him for what we need. His disciples continue to have problems believing in the power He posseses and don't feel that the loves and fishes are enough. Jesus says bring them to me. We should always offer what we have to Him. It is His mission to look after us and He does. Notice the good that He accomplishes with what is given to Him and the giver is rewarded with surplus. The multitude is not just fed but filled. The people were not just given a morsel of His goodness but supplied with as much of His grace as they sought.

	Matthew 14:14-21	Matthew 15:32-38
How many people were present?	In verse 14, the number is described as a great mulitude. We learn in verse 21 that the number of thise who had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.	In verse 32, the people are referred to as a multitude. We learn in verse we learn they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
What did they need?	The term written is victuals.	the people had nothing to eat and were fasting.
What were they able to offer in an effort to meet that need?	Five loaves and two fishes.	Seven loaves and a few little fishes.
What words or phrases describe the Savior’s feeling toward the multitudes in their time of need?	The Savior as always is the embodiment of campassion. He desires that all may be fed and filled. He does not wish for them to be sent away for he is healing, teaching, and providing for them what they desire. His actions are pure love and is concerned only for them.
What words or phrases describe what the Savior was able to provide for the multitudes?	He is the great provider. We have here an example of His taking care of the temporal as well as their spiritual needs. This is more than a meal. It is Christ giving the multitude what thay are really seeking from Him. the truth, the way, and the life.

We are all sinners and therefore incapable of our own salvation. It is only through the saving Grace of Christ's redemption that the possibility for our returning to God exists. It is only by putting our faith in Him will we be fed the gift of life eternal.

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