The Feeding of the 4000

INTRODUCTION

We are returning today to our study of the Gospel of Mark

So please take your Bibles and turn to Mark chapter 8

We are looking at Mark 8:1-9

This passage is also found in Matthew 15:32-39

Both record “The Feeding of the 4000”

As we have done in the past, I would like to read both accounts together from John MacArthur’s book, “One Perfect Life”

One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus 84. Jesus Feeds Four Thousand in Decapolis

In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, “ I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry to their own houses, lest they faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.”

Then His disciples said to Him, “ Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?” Jesus asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “ Seven, and a few little fish.” So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the disciples gave them to the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

We have already looked at the feeding of the 5000 in Mark 6:30-44 and Matthew 14:13-21

Though similar, the context, location, and audience distinguish these two miracles

One of the most overlooked insights in the feeding of the 4,000 is how it fits into Jesus’ broader mission to the Gentiles

This miracle takes place after Jesus’ interaction with a Gentile woman in Mark 7:24-30 and after He healed a deaf and mute man in Mark 7:31-37

This miracle is not merely an act of compassion, but a theological statement about the expansion of the Kingdom of God

We’re given the setting in verse 1

Mark begins verse 1 with “In those days”

The phrase "in those days" signals that the feeding of the 4,000 happened during this same period of time, among Gentiles in the Decapolis region (east of the Sea of Galilee)

This is different from the feeding of the 5,000 (Mark 6:30-44), which took place in a Jewish region.

Jews may also have been present on this occasion, but it is almost certain the majority who had followed Him for 3 days were Gentiles (Mark Akin)

The mention of a there again being “a large crowd” may have occurred due to Jesus healing the deaf/mute man in 7:32-36

If you remember in verse 36, Jesus “gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it”

With such a large crowd and being “three days” in a “desolate place,” they would run out of provisions

People traveling long distances often carried food and water

Genesis 21:14 illustrates this so does John 6:9 in the feeding of the 5000

Since the crowd had been with Jesus for 3 days, whatever food they brought had likely been consumed

Many of them may not have expected to stay that long but were captivated by Jesus’ teaching and miracles

The feeding of the 5000 was recorded in all 4 Gospels, but the feeding of 4000 was recorded only in Mark and Matthew

Before we look at the text, let’s note some similarities and differences between the two feedings…

First let’s note the…

Similarities:

• Both miracles involved huge crowds who were hungry • Jesus used a small amount of bread and fish to feed a lot of people • The disciples doubted the Lord’s ability to provide but were also involved in distributing the food • In both miracles, Jesus took the little they had, gave thanks, and multiplied it • The crowds ate and were completely satisfied and a large amount of food was left over

Now notice the…

Differences:

• The first miracle involved feeding 5,000 compared to 4,000 here • The amount of bread is different – 5 loaves versus 7 loaves • The leftovers from the first miracle go in 12 small baskets and in the second, 7 large baskets are used • There are two different Greek words - smaller baskets = kophinos and larger baskets = spuris • The first meal came after a day of teaching and this one follows three days of teaching • One prayer in the feeding of 5000, two prayers in feeding of 4000 • The first miracle took place among Jewish people and this one happens in the Decapolis, a Gentile community

Critics say they are the same, but not only do the points differentiate the feedings but Jesus Himself clearly distinguishes two feedings in Mark 8:19-20

NET Note - Many commentators, on the basis of similarities between this account of the feeding of the multitude (Mk 8:1–10) and that in Mk 6:30–44, have argued that there is only one event referred to in both passages. While there are similarities in language and in the response of the disciples, there are also noticeable differences, including the different number present on each occasion (i.e., 5,000 in chap. 6 and 4,000 here). In the final analysis, the fact that Jesus refers to two distinct feedings in Mk 8:18–20 settles the issue; this passage represents another very similar incident to that recorded in 6:30–44.

So the feedings recorded in Mark 6:30-44 and Mark 8:1-9 are not the same accounts but two separate ones

So verse 1 says, “Jesus called His disciples” to discuss the situation

As we consider this account, we need to first understand…

I. The Shift Toward the Gentiles (Mark 7:24—8:9)

In the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the Apostles’ early mission it was primarily focused on the Jews

Listen to what Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 10:5-6 and Matthew 15:24.

Jesus says He was not sent to the Gentiles but to the Jews

The Messiah came through Israel

God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham (Gen.12:3), promising that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed (Gal.3:8)

Israel was meant to be a light to the nations according to Isaiah 49:6

Jesus’ ministry was the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel but Israel refused her Messiah and also failed at her responsibilities to the nations

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Gospel was intentionally extended to all nations (Matthew 28:19)

As we study the account of the feeding of the 4000 in Mark 8, we need to understand the gradual shift towards taking the gospel to the Gentiles

In our study of Mark 7, we see this shift

Notice first that…

Jesus Declares All Foods Clean (Mark 7:1-23)

Prior to this event, Jesus addressed the Pharisees’ legalism about food laws and ritual purity, declaring in Mark 7:18-19 “all foods clean”

This marked a radical turning point, signaling the removal of the ceremonial barriers that separated Jews and Gentiles

Second…

Jesus Heals a Gentile Woman’s Daughter (Mark 7:24-30)

Mark 7:24 says that Jesus entered “the region of Tyre”, Gentile territory, where a Syrophoenician woman begs for healing for her demon-possessed daughter

Third…

Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Gentile (Mark 7:31-37)

Mark 7:31 says…

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 7

Again He went out from the region of Tyre, and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, within the region of Decapolis.

Again Gentile territory

This healing was both physical and symbolic, showing Jesus opening the ears of the Gentiles to the Gospel

Now we come to the feeding of 4000 Gentiles

II. The Feeding of the Gentiles (Mark 8:1-9, Matthew 15:32-39)

Jesus intentionally performs this miracle in Gentile territory to emphasize that the bread of life is for all people

The text begins with Jesus’ compassion and shows that it is…

Jesus’ Compassion is Universal (Mark 8:1-3)

Mark 8:2 (NASB95) – “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now for three days and have nothing to eat.”

Unlike the feeding of the 5,000, where the Jews came for a day, this Gentile crowd had stayed for three days, showing their deep spiritual hunger

This reflects Isaiah 49:6 (NASB95) where God intends to bring salvation to the Gentiles

Several things begin to happen after 72 hours without food

fatigue and weakness

The body starts breaking down stored glycogen (stored sugars) for energy

Muscle tissue may begin to weaken due to protein breakdown

dizziness and fainting (v. 3 – "they will faint on the way")

Low blood pressure occurs due to a lack of nutrients

People walking long distances, as Jesus mentioned, would be at great risk of collapsing from exhaustion

severe hunger pains

The stomach’s production of ghrelin (the hunger hormone) increases, making hunger intensely painful

dehydration (If Little Water Was Available)

Without food, the body relies on water intake, so if hydration was also low, people could experience nausea, headaches, and confusion

cognitive impairment (difficulty thinking clearly)

A lack of glucose makes mental processing slower, affecting focus and decision-making

irritability and mood swings

Scientists call this being "hangry"—a combination of hungry and angry—because low blood sugar affects mood regulation

depression or hopelessness

Long-term fasting triggers stress hormones, which can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety

desperation for relief

People may focus only on finding food, losing interest in other activities

1 Samuel 30:11-12 is a good example of this

Jesus says in verses 2-3, “2 I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now for 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.”

Jesus understood their physical exhaustion and did not want to send them away hungry

He felt “compassion for the people”

So He did He tested the disciples for a response

What were they going to do in this situation?

Just a footnote: Jesus recognizes the physical needs of the crowd not the disciples as in Mark 6:35-36.

In other words, He initiates the response to the situation not the disciples

But in this case, the disciples appear clueless or is it something else?

Verse 4 indicates…

The Disciples Don’t Understand (Mark 8:4)

Listen to their response in verse 4: “But His disciples answered Him, ‘Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?’”

Wait a minute!

They had already witnessed Jesus feed 5,000 men not to mention the women and children, so upwards to 15-20,000 people!

Now there is 4000 men, or more like 10,000 men, women and children

I don’t think this is an issue of memory loss

I think the issue was their prejudice

They likely saw the Gentiles as outsiders—they were not expecting Jesus to provide for them the same way He did for the Jews

The disciples had been raised with the idea that Israel was God’s chosen people, and some Jews viewed Gentiles as outsiders

Jesus addresses the problem by asking in verse 5, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.”

Verse 7 says “they also had a few small fish”

So they had…

Seven Loaves and Few Fish: Symbolism of Completion (Mark 8:5-7)

Verse 6 says, “And He directed the people to recline on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve, and they served them to the people.”

The number seven in Scripture represents completion and perfection

God created the world in 7 days

He established a 7 day week, with the Sabbath on the 7th day as a sign of completion and rest

In Hebrew, the word for seven (sheva) is related to the word for oath or covenant (shava)

Swearing an oath in Hebrew was sometimes called “sevenaing oneself,” reinforcing the idea of completion in a promise

There are patterns of 7 in worship and the Law

The Sabbath year (Leviticus 25:4) – Every seventh year, the land was to rest

The year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-10) – After 7 cycles of 7 years (49 years), the 50th year was a year of release and restoration

Many Jewish feasts and religious observances Ac structured around the number seven (e.g., Feast of Unleavened Bread lasted 7 days)

Seven is used as symbolism in the book of Revelation

7 churches (Revelation 1:4)

7 seals (Revelation 5:1)

7 trumpets (Revelation 8:2)

7 bowls of wrath (Revelation 16:1)

Mark 8:5 says they had “seven” loaves

Verse 8 tells us after “they ate and was satisfied;…they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces”

This contrasts with the twelve baskets in the feeding of the 5,000 (which symbolized provision for Israel’s twelve tribes)

But what is seen is the feeding of the 4000 is the bread of life is now extended beyond Israel to the Gentiles

Verses 8-9 says…

Everyone Ate and Was Satisfied (Mark 8:8-9)

In the 5,000, the disciples collected 12 small baskets (kophinos)—a typical Jewish basket

Here, they collected 7 large baskets (spuris), which were much larger—the same type used to lower Paul from a wall in Acts 9:25.

This indicates the abundant provision Jesus has for the Gentiles

Now before we close, we need to understand…

III. The Theological Significance of This Miracle

This miracle is not just about food. It reveals God’s redemptive plan for the entire world.

This is like…

A Second Exodus: Jew and Gentile Inclusion

Just as God provided manna in the wilderness for Israel (Exodus 16:35), here Jesus provides bread in the wilderness—but this time for the Gentiles

This fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham: Genesis 12:3 (NASB95) – “And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

Jesus is…

The True and Greater Bread

In John 6:35, Jesus later declares: “I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty.”

This miracle foreshadows the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus gives His own body (the ultimate Bread) for the salvation of Jews and Gentiles alike

What lessons can we learn…

Conclusion: Lessons from the Feeding of the 4,000

Jesus’ compassion extends beyond Israel—salvation is for all nations

God provides abundantly, even in the most desolate places

Like the disciples, we can forget God’s past faithfulness

Jesus is the Bread of Life, and only He can fully satisfy

The Gospel is for the outcast, the forgotten, and the outsider

Application Questions

Do you limit God’s blessings in your life like the disciples did?

Are you hungering for Jesus, the true Bread of Life?

How are you sharing the Bread of Life with those outside of Christ?

Call to Response

Jesus invites all—Jew or Gentile, rich or poor—to come and be satisfied in Him

If you have not trusted in Him, He offers you true, eternal nourishment

Just like the Gentiles had to “receive” the bread and fish, you have to “receive” the Bread of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ

Receive Him today!

Let’s pray