Commentary – تفسير

32Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “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, lest they faint on the way.”33Then His disciples said to Him, “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?”34Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few little fish.”53So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.36And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude.37So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left.38Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.39And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala. (Matthew14:31-21, Mark8:1-6)

Christ looked at the hungry multitudes who had continued with Him three days and three nights listening to His words and seeing His miracles. He had compassion on them as they crowded around Him, and when He asked His disciples to help them, they confessed their inability to do so. Yet Christ taught them again His principle, that He would make much out of the little if put at His disposal in faith. Christ prayed before the people that were sitting around him, and thanked His Father for the seven loaves and the few fish in His hands. This thanksgiving was the secret of this miracle. The Son spoke to His Father and listened to His Father’s reply. Jesus was lowly in heart and eager to speak to His Father. He made Himself of no reputation and submitted to live on earth, yet still abiding with full harmony in Him. He thanked Him for the few loaves that were to be multiplied. Then Christ gave the bread and the fish to His disciples, and the four thousand men and their families were fed.
Our Lord Jesus keeps an account how long His followers continue in fixing their eyes on Him, and takes notice of the difficulty they experience in it (Revelation 2:2), “I know your works, your labor, and your patience,” and you shall, in no means, lose your reward.
Dear friend, trust in the power of Christ’s love, and commit your life to Him that He may use your few talents and make them a blessing to thousands. Put your time, money, and life at the Lord’s disposal, and consecrate yourself to Him at all times that you may experience the miracle of His power.
Christ’s power was not understood by His disciples. “Where could we have enough bread in the wilderness?” A proper question, one would think, like that of Moses, “Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to provide enough for them?” (Numbers 11:22) But considering the general assurance the disciples had of the power of Christ and the similar miracle they had recently experienced, it was not the correct question. They had not only been the witnesses, but the ministers, of the former miracle. The multiplied bread went through their hands! It was therefore an instance of weakness for them to ask. Forgetting former experiences can cause us to have present doubts.

Prayer

Father, You created the world out of nothing. You gave to us Your forgiving love. Teach us faith and thankfulness that we may not reject Your power by our doubts. You love the simple and the little ones and have mercy on them. Help us that we may serve You in serving them, to thank You for our gifts, and to consecrate our lives thankfully to You. Take our hands and lead us as You will.

Question

Why and how did Jesus multiply the bread and the fish for the four thousand and their families?