145. What, Again?

Matthew 15:29-39, Mark 8:1-10,

Key Verse: They all ate and were satisfied.

Matthew 15:37a & Mark 8:8a

God truly is the God of Second chances. We saw this in the telling of two incidences of Jesus and storms and boats. The first time, the disciples were terrified while Jesus was still in the boat with them, sleeping. The next time, when they saw Him walking toward them, on the water, Peter even ventured out, with his fledgling faith, to be with Jesus.

This second event of Jesus feeding a multitude, gives us another opportunity to explore the growth of the faith of the disciples. At first glance, these stories, the feeding of the 5,000, Matthew 14:13-21, and the one that we read today, seem to have many similarities. First of all, they are in a remote place with a large crowd of people. Secondly, Jesus has compassion on the people and performs many healings. After that, however, the similarities end and we get to see how much the disciples have grown, in a short time, by living with their Master.

The first difference that we notice is that this time, it is Jesus who initiates the concern for the people. Though in this event, they had all been together for three days instead of just one, the disciples weren’t concerned about sending the people away to care for themselves. They were trusting that Jesus had matters in hand. “I do not want to send them away hungry.” (Matt 15:32c)

Now, instead of wanting to send the people off to fend for themselves, or worrying about how to pay for so much bread, the disciples simply puzzle, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place?”

Again Jesus asks, “How many loaves do you have?” (Matt 15:34)

There is a difference in the answer this time.  Instead of “Only five loaves and two fish,” the disciples reply “seven loaves and a few fish.” (Matt 15:35) They know what’s coming. Jesus has it all under control.

Now the people sit down and the disciples distribute the food. Afterwards, the disciples collect the leftovers, seven basketsful this time instead of twelve for 4,000 people instead of 5,000. Something else is different too.  We notice a difference in the response of the people. Before, they were takers. In John’s telling of the first feeding, (John 6:1-15) the people wanted to make Jesus king, a selfish act on their part. This time however, Matthew reports, “the people were amazed at the healings…and they praised the God of Israel.” (Matt 15:31) Jesus’ works were accomplishing what He had set out to do.  He was causing the people to give glory to God. (Matt 5:16)

Finally, when the crowd had gone home, Jesus climbed into the boat and headed out with His disciples. They had made a great team! The disciples had grown. Perhaps, instead of having to head off to pray by Himself, this time, Jesus was riding on the energy of the praise gathering. The people had grown too. Instead of being grabbers and takers, for today, they turned the blessings received into praise to God the Father. If only we could all do as well with our blessings on a daily basis.

Think about it. Do you remember a time in your life when you failed to walk by faith? If you were given a second chance, how might your story be different? Be on the alert. The circumstances may be different, but God is always giving you opportunities to walk by faith and not sight. Rise to the challenge and see how you have grown.

Hymn: “Thanks To God for My Redeemer”