Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
In our study today, our blessed Lord Jesus performs another miracle of multiplying loaves and fishes (Mark 8:1-10). Though this is thought of by some to be a repeat of the previous miracle that we read about in chapter six, even a cursory comparison of the two miracles will clearly reveal that they are two separate accounts. The first miracle was performed for a Jewish setting and this one in a primarily Gentile setting. The point that is made here is that Jesus Christ was sent by The Father to be the Savior and Bread of Life for both the Jew and Gentile. In both cases, the hungry people gather to hear Jesus. Even though the motives of many of them may have been questionable, Jesus faithfully fed them the Word first and then met their physical needs afterwards.
Yes, Jesus Christ is a miracle-working Savior, but He is also a compassion-driven Lord Who is a lover of image-bearers of God, be they Jew or Gentile. Beloved, how blessed we are this morning to have such a loving and caring Shepherd Who is touched with our every need! Never think for one second that there is anything too large for Jesus to handle or any need too small to escape His interest.
One last thing about these miracles that we observe is that Jesus’ disciples witnessed both of them but, as we will see a bit further on, the intended meaning of these miracles did not seem to sink in. Both writer and reader alike can relate to that, I’m sure. Are you facing a need today in some area of your life in which Jesus has performed a miracle or breakthrough for you in the past? Remember, Emmanuel is with you, and in you, and working. Selah
