32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” 33 And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” 34 And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36 he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.” (Matthew 15:32–39 (ESV)
Biblical scholars have debated whether Matthew’s recounting of Jesus’ feeding of the four thousand is the same miracle as the feeding of the five thousand that Matthew previously recorded (Matt. 14:19-21). The consensus is that these two chronicles are separate and distinct miracles.
First, Jesus feeding the five thousand occurred in Galilee (Matt. 13:53; 14:22). Mark recorded that Jesus’ feeding the four thousand occurred in the Decapolis (Mark 7:31-37). This was a Gentile populated area. Therefore, the first supernatural feeding was to the Jews. The second was to Gentiles. The amount of people, five and four thousand respectively, did not include women and children. Jesus fed proportionately more people than the initial number indicates.
Second, the first miraculous feeding involved two fish and five loaves of bread (Matt. 14:17). Today’s text indicates that the disciples had in their possession seven loaves and a few small fish (Matt. 15:34).
Third, the remnants for loaves for the first miraculous feeding were twelve full baskets (Matt. 14:20; John 6:13). The remnants for the second miraculous feeding were seven full baskets (Matt. 15:37).
In both instances, the people had their fill and were satisfied (Matt. 14:20; 15:37). Both illustrated that Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6).
“The evidence compels us to take these stories at face value -— descriptions of two different, miraculous feedings. The five thousand were clearly Jews because the group followed Jesus from Nazareth and other surrounding towns (Matt. 13:53–14:21). On the other hand, the four thousand were probably Gentiles. Just prior to feeding them, Jesus healed many of the four thousand who then “glorified the God of Israel” (15:29–31). Jews could speak of the Lord this way, but it is more likely that Gentiles would say such things as the Jewish crowds in Matthew do not use this title elsewhere. More importantly, Mark locates the events of today’s passage in the Decapolis (7:31–8:10), a region of ten predominantly Gentile cities east of the Sea of Galilee,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
The purpose of Jesus’ miracles were not just to suspend the laws of nature; laws He Himself created (John 1:1-3). Rather, Jesus’ miracles purposely displayed His person, power and presence; not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. This miraculous power continues today in the preaching, and conversion of souls, of and by the Gospel.
16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17 ESV)
By grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone, every believer in Christ is a result of God’s miraculous work.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 