Mark 8:1-10 - Feeding Four Thousand

Mark 8:1-10
1 In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and *said to them, 2 “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.” 4 And His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” 5 And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6 And He *directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. 7 They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. 8 And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. 9 About four thousand were there; and He sent them away. 10 And immediately He entered the boat with His disciples and came to the district of Dalmanutha.

Message: Feeding Four Thousand

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface: Jesus, after spending time in Tyre and Sidon and Decapolis area, it seems, trying to get away for a bit, also spent time healing a demon possessed daughter and a blind man. Prior to this Jesus was emphasizing to his disciples and even the scribes the focus on the heart of man, as the Pharisees continued to emphasize the outward works. Jesus is really concerned about the heart.

Yet, people still have needs. This story of the feeding of four thousand reads easy. It is a simple story of people in need and Jesus meeting that need. Like the previous story of the feeding of 5,000, the people impacted are a large group of Gentiles, on the road for days, only to see Jesus. Chances are, though it is not recorded in scripture, Jesus spent time with these travelers, speaking to them, perhaps even healing people in various ways. In essence this was a retreat for many, to go see Jesus and see who this man is and what he is about. Rather than sending them away hungry, he takes what food he has and provides it to them.

They ate and were satisfied - thus, they received what they needed to now make their journey home. And they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. People were famished and yet there was still food left over. Another interesting note is that  four thousand were there. Previously, when Jesus fed five thousand, those 5,000 mentioned were men, which meant there were probably closer to 15,000 or more with families. Yet, here 4,000 are mentioned. The other sad part of this story is how slowly the disciples are learning about Jesus and what he can do. His disciples answered Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” Jesus has already fed and done so many other things for the disciples to see the power that he has and yet they still don't see it.

I think it is interesting here that Jesus doesn't seem make something happen out of thin air, but he uses commodities already present, but multiplies their use. In a similar way, Jesus uses us, his followers and works through us in an amazing way.

Summary: Jesus, after spending time with many people, who have come from far away to see Him, takes care of their need to eat, using what has been provided, multiplying it for what everyone needs. He then leaves, with the disciples on a boat to the district of Dalmanutha.

Promise: From Tabletalk - Sometimes we find ourselves doubting the Lord’s concern for us and His ability to meet our needs. If we were to remember what He has done for us, particularly in rescuing us from sin when we were hopelessly lost, we would find ourselves more apt to trust that He will provide. Think on what the Lord has done for you, and trust that He will come through again because He loves you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this message that reminds me that you work through what has been provided, but in a mightier way that it appears. You God are there for us and provide us what we need at all times. You take care of us. I thank You and Praise your name. Help us to get out of the way and let you work.