Jesus Feeds 4,000 - Part 1

Jesus Feeds 4,000

Mt 15:32–39 and Mk 8:1–9 describe a miracle of provision – of FOOD.

This miracle was performed by Jesus and was received by The 4,000.

This account is also known as the miracle of the seven loaves and fish because they were used by Jesus to feed a multitude.

Bible Study Tips:

· Context - read before for the back story

· Compare and contrast

· Compare parallel Scriptures

· Look for prophecy fulfilled

· Who asked for it?

· Who benefited?

Back story = Jesus had just conducted a series of mass healings!

· Matt 15:29-31 – Jesus had just healed many people of many diseases

o Jesus healed ALL !

· As a result, A large crowd had gathered and was following Jesus.

Matthew 15:29 NLT

29 Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down.

Jesus returned after casting out a demon form a Gentile woman’s daughter and healing her.

Jesus compassion extends to the unsaved!

Although the unsaved have no covenant with God, His mercy of miracles extends to all who will ask!

IOW, God will heal and unbeliever in faith

Even before He will a child of God in unbelief.

Matthew 15:30 NLT

30 A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all.

Matthew 15:31 NLT

31 The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel.

Similarities to the 5,000

5,000 = teaching and miracles all day

4,000 = miracles all day

Matthew 15:32 NLT

32 Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.”

Miracles Stem from Compassion

I have compassion

· Who asked for this miracle? No one!

Matthew 15:33 NLT

33 The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?”

Life Lesson: God can reach you anywhere!

Remote place

· The disciples Still did not learn the lesson from the 5,000!

· Life Lesson: Don’t limit God by your thinking

Matthew 15:34 NLT

34 Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.”

Matthew 15:35 NLT

35 So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground.

Matthew 15:36 NLT

36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.

· Jesus multiplied what was supplied

Matthew 15:37 NLT

37 They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.

More than a working lunch!

· Jesus touched their spirit by TEACHING the Word

· Jesus touched their soul by CARING and sharing, concern, pity, feeling sorry,

· Jesus touched their body by FEEDING

Matthew 15:38 NLT

38 There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children.

Jesus also cares for natural needs - eating and healing

Matthew 15:39 NLT

39 Then Jesus sent the people home, and he got into a boat and crossed over to the region of Magadan.

Magdala, meaning "tower"

Tower of the Fishes")

the place of processing fish

the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, who Jesus delivered