Matthew 15:32-38

Then Jesus called the disciples and said, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have already been here with me three days and they have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry since they may faint on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where can we get enough bread in this desolate place to satisfy so great a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven—and a few small fish.” After instructing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, he broke them and began giving them to the disciples, who then gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Not counting children and women, there were four thousand men who ate.

Four thousand men, plus women and children. The true number of this crowd was well over four thousand. In reality though, it doesn’t matter. It could have been 10,000, 100,000, or millions. The point here is not how many people are being fed, the point is not the miracle; it is the person behind the miracle. Jesus IS the bread of life. Everyone present in this crowd knows they are eating because of Jesus, but so many can’t see past that. They want to stick with Jesus so that they get another free meal, not to be in relationship with Him. 1st Peter 2:2-3 says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Jesus’ compassion gives the crowd a taste, but will they believe that He is the bread of life and follow Him?