Matthew 14:16
But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 14:16
But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus shifts the focus from sending the crowd away to the disciples' responsibility, pointedly saying "you give them something to eat." This isn't just about solving a practical problem; it's Jesus testing their faith and inviting them to be participants in his power, showing that even a little given to him can become much.
Jesus and his disciples have retreated to a quiet place, but a large crowd has followed them, seeking healing and teaching. As evening approaches, the disciples, concerned about the people's hunger in this deserted area, urge Jesus to send them away to buy food. Jesus, however, redirects their focus, telling them that they are the ones who should feed the people.
When faced with an overwhelming need, the disciples had a practical (and seemingly impossible) solution: send the crowd away. But Jesus had a different idea.
Jesus' command, 'You give them something to eat,' isn't just about feeding a crowd. It's a divine transfer of responsibility. He saw the disciples' focus on the problem (lack of resources) and redirected them to the solution: their participation.
Think about it: Jesus could have just made food appear. But instead, He involved His followers. This shows us that God often works through us, not just for us. He gives us the command and then empowers us to obey. It’s a call to active faith, not passive observation.
The disciples saw a problem and a need to disperse. Jesus saw the same crowd, but felt something deeper.
The Gospels tell us Jesus was 'moved with compassion' for the crowds. This wasn't a passive feeling; it was a deep, empathetic ache that compelled Him to action.
His compassion was for people who were 'like sheep without a shepherd.' They were lost, vulnerable, and in need of guidance. Jesus didn't just see their physical hunger; He saw their spiritual destitution. His miracle of feeding them was a powerful demonstration of His care for both their physical and spiritual needs. It was a tangible expression of God's provision and love for His people.
Understand the original words
Iēsous · Greek Proper Noun
In a theological context, this refers to the Son of God, the incarnate Word, who possesses both full divinity and full humanity. He is the central figure of the New Testament, the promised Messiah, and the Savior of mankind.
This miracle isn't just about feeding a crowd; it reveals Jesus' deep compassion and his power to meet not only spiritual but also physical needs, directly responding to the disciples' practical concerns.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist, a key forerunner of Jesus, is imprisoned by Herod Antipas. This event prompts Jesus to withdraw into a less populated area.
c. AD 28
Jesus Withdraws to a Solitary Place
In response to John's imprisonment and to find rest for his disciples, Jesus travels by boat to a deserted area east of the Sea of Galilee.
c. AD 28
Crowds Follow Jesus
Thousands of people, hearing of Jesus' whereabouts, follow him on foot from surrounding towns and villages. They gather in a desert location.
c. AD 28
Jesus Teaches and Heals
Jesus shows compassion to the large crowd, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and healing the sick among them. This continues for much of the day.
c. AD 28
This passage directly precedes the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus asks Philip 'Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?' showing the disciples' immediate focus on inadequate human solutions before Jesus reveals His plan.
2 Kings 4:43This Old Testament account describes a similar miracle where Elisha also multiplied loaves to feed a multitude, demonstrating God's consistent provision and power through His prophets throughout Scripture.
Matthew 6:33Jesus' teaching to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' is echoed here; by focusing on His mission and the people's spiritual needs, Jesus shows that God will provide for physical necessities.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse assures believers that God will not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear and will always provide a way out, a principle reflected in Jesus providing a way for the disciples to meet the people's needs.
Mark 6:37In the parallel account, the disciples ask Jesus if they should 'go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?', highlighting their initial practical but limited perspective on the problem.
calvinMatthew 14:13-21: "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities."
- When Jesus heard this, he departed thence to a ship to a desert place apart; and when the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14. And Jesus, when leaving (the ship,) saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion towards them, and healed of such of them as were diseased. 15. A…
barnesMatthew 14:16: "But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat."
Jesus said They need not depart; give ye them to eat - John adds John 6:5-6 that previous to this Jesus had addressed Philip, and asked, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? and that he "said this to prove him; for he himself knew what he would do;" that is, he said this to try his faith; to test the confidence of Philip in himself. Philip, it seems, had not the kind of confidence which he ought to ha…
Jesus shifts the focus from sending the crowd away to the disciples' responsibility, pointedly saying "you give them something to eat." This isn't just about solving a practical problem; it's Jesus testing their faith and inviting them to be participants in his power, showing that even a little given to him can become much.
Jesus and his disciples have retreated to a quiet place, but a large crowd has followed them, seeking healing and teaching. As evening approaches, the disciples, concerned about the people's hunger in this deserted area, urge Jesus to send them away to buy food. Jesus, however, redirects their focus, telling them that they are the ones who should feed the people.
Jesus and his disciples have retreated to a quiet place, but a large crowd has followed them, seeking healing and teaching. As evening approaches, the disciples, concerned about the people's hunger in this deserted area, urge Jesus to send them away to buy food. Jesus, however, redirects their focus, telling them that are the ones who should feed the people.
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Disciples Suggest Sending People Away
As evening approaches, the disciples, concerned about the lack of food and the late hour, urge Jesus to dismiss the crowd so they can buy provisions.
c. AD 28
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously multiplies five loaves and two fish, feeding over five thousand men, plus women and children, with twelve baskets of leftovers.
"But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”" — Jesus shifts the focus from sending the crowd away to the disciples' responsibility, pointedly saying "you give them something to eat." This isn't just about solving a practical problem; it's Jesus t…