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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
inquired of Philip concerning the probability of obtaining bread for so
large a number, that they might not return to their homes unrefreshed
nor faint by the way. This he did to test the faith of his disciples, for he
himself was at no loss how to provide food. He who would not work a
miracle to satisfy his own hunger in the wilderness, would not allow
the multitude to suffer for lack of food. Philip looked over the sea of
heads and thought how impossible it would be to obtain sufficient food
to satisfy the wants of such a crowd. He answered that two hundred
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penny-worth of bread would not be nearly enough to divide among
them so that each one might have a little. Jesus inquired how much
food could be found among the company. He was told that Andrew
had discovered a lad who had with him five barley loaves, and two
small fishes. But this was nothing among so many, and they were in a
desert place, where no more could be obtained.
Jesus commanded that this meager store should be brought to him.
This being done, he directed his disciples to seat the people upon the
grass in parties of fifty, and one hundred, to preserve order, and that all
might witness the miracle he was about to do. This marshaling of five
thousand people into companies, was at length satisfactorily accom-
plished, and they were all seated in the presence of the Saviour. He
then took the loaves and fishes, and, having given thanks, distributed
them to the disciples and to the multitudes, in quantities sufficient to
satisfy their appetites.
The people had arranged themselves in the required order wonder-
ing what was to be done, but their amazement knew no bounds when
the problem was solved, and they beheld food portioned out to that
vast assembly from the slender store scarcely sufficient for a score of
persons. The food did not diminish, as Jesus handed it to his disciples,
who in their turn served the people. As often as they returned to him
for a fresh supply, it was furnished them. After all had been satisfied,
he directed the disciples to gather up the fragments that nothing might
be lost; and the broken fragments filled twelve baskets.
During this remarkable feast, there was much earnest reflection
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among those who were so miraculously served. They had followed
Jesus to listen to words such as had never before fallen upon their
ears. His teachings had sunk into their hearts. He had healed their
sick, had comforted their sorrow, and at last, rather than send them
away hungering, he had fed them bounteously. His pure and simple