One of Jesus’ most striking miracles, particularly in view of the large numbers of individuals affected, is the feeding of the five thousand. In some ways the miracle is a very strange one. The religious leaders of Christ’s day were planning a way to get rid of him. On the other hand, there was a movement afoot, probably known and encouraged by the disciples, to compel Jesus to come forth and declare himself as king of Israel. Now, he performs this amazing miracle which could only serve to fire up their enthusiasm and intensify their desire to crown him as their king.

This was not, of course, our Lord’s purpose in this miracle. If we were to figure out just what his purpose might have been, we would have to begin with Mark’s assertion that Jesus “saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them.” His concern for them led to his efforts to teach them to draw them to himself and the life he had come to bring to God’s human creatures. That, in turn, led him to reveal his power to meet people’s needs in the feeding of the five thousand.

It is a beautiful expression and example of God’s concern for his creatures. The Lord will provide. It is God’s desire that we continue to rely on his promises, to demonstrate the audacity of faith that expects great things though there be nothing visible upon which to build.

We have an almighty God and Father, Helper and Friend, at our side who is at all times concerned about our material needs. May our faith embrace and trust Jesus for our material and spiritual needs as we go day by day into the future.