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Chapter 39—“Give Ye Them 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 was soon broken. The
disciples thought they would not be disturbed, but as soon as the
multitude 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 at hand, and pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem gathered to see
Jesus, until there were assembled 5000 men besides women and
children.
From the hillside Jesus looked upon the multitude, and “was
moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep
not having a shepherd.” Leaving His retreat, 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 as balm to their souls. The healing of His divine
hand brought life to the dying and ease and health to those suffering
with disease. The day seemed like heaven on earth, and they were
unconscious of how long it had been since they had eaten anything.
At length the sun was sinking in the west, and yet the people
lingered. Jesus had labored all day without food or rest, but He could
not withdraw Himself from the multitude that pressed upon Him.
The disciples finally urged that for their own sake the people
should be sent away. Many had eaten nothing since morning. In
surrounding towns they might buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye
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them to eat.” Turning to Philip, He questioned, “Whence shall we
buy bread, that these may eat?” This He said to test the faith of the
disciple. Philip looked over the sea of heads, and answered that two
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