Feeding of the 4,000

29Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

32Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

33His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”

34“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

35He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 39After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.  (Matthew 15:29-39)

Thoughts: Jesus once more shows that he cares about the needs of many.  Jesus fed 5,000 and now he feeds 4,000.  He did this not to wow people but to show compassion.  They were trying to follow Him and He wanted to care for their needs.  It was a seemingly impossible situation.  Food is remote.  The food available is not nearly enough.  Just as God provided Manna from heaven, Jesus provides for His people who chose to follow Him.  When they put the inadequate amount in the hands of Jesus it became more than adequate.  There were even leftovers!
      When we take what we have, however inadequate, and put it in Jesus hands- trusting Him- it becomes adequate to do the job.  

Prayer: Lord. help me to trust in you and to give back to you my gifts.