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“You Give Them Something to Eat”
This chapter is based on Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke
9:10-17; John 6:1-13.
This rare season of peaceful quietude did not last long. The
disciples thought they would not be disturbed, but as soon as the
crowds missed the divine Teacher, they inquired, “Where is He?”
Some had noticed the direction where He and His disciples had gone.
Many went by land, others in their boats, to meet them. The Passover
was near, and pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem gathered to see
Jesus, until five thousand men were assembled, besides women and
children.
From the hillside, Jesus looked at the crowd, and “was moved
with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having
a shepherd.” Leaving His refuge, He found a convenient place where
He could minister to them.
The people listened to words of mercy from the Son of God,
words that were like soothing medicine to their hearts. The healing
from His divine hand brought life to the dying and relief and health
to those suffering with disease. The day seemed like heaven on
earth, and they were unaware of how long it had been since they had
eaten anything.
Finally the sun was sinking in the west, and yet the people
lingered. Jesus had worked all day without food or rest, but He
could not take Himself away from the people that crowded around
Him.
The disciples finally urged Jesus to send the people away for
their own sake. Many had eaten nothing since morning. In sur-
rounding towns they could buy food. But Jesus said, “You give them
something to eat.” Turning to Philip, He asked, “Where shall we
buy bread, that these may eat?” He said this to test the faith of the
disciple. Philip looked over the sea of heads and answered that two
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