Mount Isa Baptist Church

He was moved with compassion for them

The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in each of the Gospels, except for the resurrection of Christ. We learn two wonderful things about the Lord Jesus from this miracle: it reveals his great love and compassion, and it reveals his great power.

The twelve disciples had just returned from their preaching mission (Mark 6:12–13,30). Jesus and the disciples had been so busy that they had not had any time to eat. They needed rest and refreshment, and they went by boat along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee to a deserted place. There was no escape from the huge crowds, who went by foot around the shore to await the arrival of the Lord. When Jesus saw the huge multitude, he was moved with compassion for them, and he healed the sick among them. He also taught them many things.

When evening came, the disciples wanted Jesus to send the multitude away to the surrounding villages to buy food for themselves. The Lord Jesus said to them, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat’. The disciples said that they had only five loaves and two fish, but Jesus miraculously multiplied those loaves and fish to feed the people. Five thousand men, besides women and children, had more than enough to eat and twelve baskets were filled with the remains of the meal.

The Lord Jesus is wonderful in his power and compassion. He became man, knowing grief, hunger and weariness, but he would not send away the needy crowd until they had been fed both physically and spiritually.

Christian, Jesus knows about you and about all your needs and burdens. He is full of compassion and love for you.

Hebrews 4:14–16 says: Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God; let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Peter 5:7: Come to him and cast all your care upon him, for he cares for you.

Are we going to Jesus with our burdens and worries? Remember Jesus already knows all about your needs and burdens, so let’s stop hanging on to them and bring them to Him, knowing that He loves and cares for us.