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25. Feeding the 4000(+)

Contrasts Between the Feeding of the 5000 and the 4000.

(Some think it is the same, but that is not possible. Matt and Mark record both.)

5000

4000

at bethsaida

decapolis

sat on the grass

sit on ground (no grass mentioned)

Jesus wanted rest before

Jesus traveling before - no mention of rest

afterward there is a storm

no storm

multitude from nearby

multitude from a long distance away

Jewish

Gentiles

5000 fed

4000 fed

with him 1 day

been with him 3 days

5 loaves and 2 fish

7 loaves and a few fish

Not enough money

Can’t find enough

different word for basket (hand basket)

(big basket)

remain: 12 basketsfull

7 basketsfull (not tied to Israel’s number 12)

found in all gospels

found only in Matt and Mark

Jesus mentions both Matt 16: 5-12, Mk 8:20

  

I. OBSERVATION

A. Passage Selected: Mark 8:1-10

Also in Matt 15:32

B. Progression Stated: Logical

C. Presentation Summarized:

1. Context

(Contrasts between the 5000 and the 4000)

Syrophoenecian woman’s daughter healed in Tyre. Now He’s in the Decapolis. Dealing with Gentiles.

Dietary Laws in Matthew - shows movement toward Gentiles since Israel was rejecting Him.

2. Content
a. The problem 8:1-5

(1) Of the multitudes (1-3)

No food.

(2) Of the disciples (4-5)

No faith. How could they commit the same sin twice in a row? We would never do that.

b. The solution 8:6-10

(1) The supply (6-7)

(2) The satisfaction (8-10)

Gentiles experiencing the blessings of Messiah.

II. INTERPRETATION

  • The bread of life, Jesus, is now ministering in Gentile territories as he did in Jewish territory. He is available to them as well.
  • By the work of God, they can have the provision of God as well.

    III. APPLICATIONS

  • Sometimes we need repeated lessons to learn the truth.
  • How do you handle failure in your students or your children? Patiently teach them.
  • Patience and persistence is the hallmark of ministry.
  • If Jesus thanked God for provisions, shouldn’t I?
  • Start with what you have. Don’t wait until you think you have enough. Move out in faith.
  • If I reject God, I will be replaced by someone else.

    • Related Topics: Miracles

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