Matthew 14:13-21
Q.1. Why did Jesus retreat to a secluded place? Was He successful? How did the crowds change His plans? Did the disciples of Jesus share His patience? – (Mt.14:13-15)
Matthew implies that Jesus took His disciples away to a secluded place after hearing about the martyrdom of his cousin, John the Baptizer (Mt.14:13). Mark tells us that this coincided with the ministry report of His disciples. It records that – 30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat (Mk.6:31-32 c.f. Mk.6:7-13). They went by boat, but the crowds had followed. This time would have given Jesus an opportunity to discuss the murder of John. When you consider the complexity of the universe, it is amazing that God is moved with compassion for people. He knew that healing the sick would neither stop their rejection of Him at Calvary, nor save them from sin. However, He stooped down to meet them at their point of need. Jesus was also sensitive to their bodily need for food. This is God’s heart on display. Jesus saw people as sheep without a shepherd and began to teach them many things about the kingdom of God, as well as to heal their sick (Mt.14:14; Mk.6:34; Lk.9:11). Was Jesus more concerned about ministering to the crowds, or training His disciples? He was clearly doing both at the same time!
Q.2. Why did Jesus suggest that His disciples should feed the crowds? What did He do with the limited provision? How did He involve His disciples? Was there enough food to go around? – (Mt.14:16-21)
Jesus involved His disciples in the process of feeding the vast crowd. His initial suggestion that they should feed the people exposed their limitations but would show them that nothing is impossible with God. This miracle should have made it easier for the disciples to believe that Jesus must be God in the flesh (c.f. Jer.32:27; Mt.19:26; Lk.1:37). It is also highly significant that Jesus wanted to know what provisions they could contribute. Then, starting with those five rolls and two fish, He multiplied these to feed the crowds (Mt.14:17-19). He didn’t dismiss the limited provisions but used them. This would help the disciples in their future mission, to never minimise the precious value of the ‘widow’s mite’ (c.f. Mk.12:41-44). Jesus ensured that the disciples were involved, by asking them to distribute the food and gather the twelve baskets of leftovers (Mt.14:19-20). There was enough and more to spare, for the – … five thousand men who ate, besides women and children (Mt.14:21). However, the record shows that the disciples were slow to learn (c.f. Mt.16:5-12).