- The crowd has nothing to eat, after three days following Him.
- They have nothing left to eat.
- If they go home now, they will collapse from hunger.
- Many came from a long distance.
His disciples pointed out that the resources were not there.
4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these
men with bread here in the wilderness?
So they were saying that feeding the multitude was impossible, just as skeptics, rationalists, Objective Faithless Justification gurus, and seminary professors do now. Bethany Lutheran Church started in a rental hall in New Ulm, where we were not welcome. We found land, but we had no money. Mortgage money was offered, much to the shock of others, and we soon had hymnals, an organ, chairs, and a do-it-yourself chapel. The building materials were provided from out of town gifts.
4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? 5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
This is a case of the disciples worrying rather than having faith in God Himself, Creator of the Universe. The work of God is faith in Jesus Christ, Who - throned in glory - deals with us through His angels.
My friend in the doctoral program at Notre Dame was an expert on angels in the Bible, writing a 300 page dissertation on the topic. Our supervisor would not even look at it, since the professor was a Tillich-Barth fan. He was distressed over his daughter's extreme disabilities and his lack of income. Christina and I said, "You are not getting help dealing with your daughter's disabilities?" We explained the process and some days later, Charlie came into the lounge area and knelt before Christina. He was overwhelmed with joy. His daughter would be supported and he could finish the PhD. He was worried sick and despairing.
The Good Shepherd provided. KJV Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
Jesus gave thanks to God, broke the bread, and gave the loaves to the disciples to distribute. Seven loaves would not go far, yet they multiplied. That abundance is not only real but also a stumbling block to those drunk on human reason. They throw out the excuses and dismiss the power of God. They reject God in favor of other gods.
7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. 8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
Jesus blessed the fish as well, which meant that the famished followers were not only given bread to satisfy their hunger but a bonus of protein and oil to give them energy on their journey back. So people ask today, "Why did the disciples question how a little food could help the 4,000?" There were many miracles, which were aimed at the present, to encourage the disciples and early believers, and the future, for us. And we fall into the same doubts about what God can do and where we are going ultimately.
9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
Many empires rose and fell between the time of Christ and us. The Romans did not realize that they were at the peak of power - as an empire - falling apart slowly, only to shut down when the Eastern Greek Empire fell apart - Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453.
Our Founders were very rise about the future, seeing so many problems in the kingdoms of that world. Britain went to war to keep America as a vassal state, paying taxes, taking away the guns and rifles of the citizens. That is why the Second Amendment is so high on the list of inalienable rights. Inalienable means that no one has the right to take them way - ever. No Congress or state or local government can take way something inherently ours.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
What people do not value will be taken away by force, over time. so we must continue in the virtues established by our Founding Fathers.
