The Gospel of Matthew

This devotional is written by George Eldridge. George is a 3rd Year Student who you will normally see hanging with Kids Church in the morning service and chilling with the Student Group in the evening. 

Matthew 14: 13-21

Jesus feeds the five thousand

13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed those who were ill.

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, 'This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so that they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.'

16 Jesus replied, 'They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.'

17 'We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,' they answered.

18 'Bring them here to me,' he said. 19 And he told the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.


Reflection

The story of feeding the five thousand is an absolute classic! I remember being told this story in primary school trying to think of ways that it couldn't be true. Thinking of ways Jesus could have tricked all 5000 of these people and his disciples (Maybe he had a couple hundred loaves in his backpack).

It feels taboo to talk to other Christians about questioning whether what is in the bible is the truth. But it is our natural reaction to try and think about how something could not be true... like James Corden being nominated for a Golden Globe or the fact I haven't been to the pub in months.

However, I always find that delving into whether a story in the bible is real or not builds my faith. It is actually an important part of building faith questioning whether something is legit.

Realistically how on earth would Jesus be able to trick 5000 people and all of his disciples? The truth is, he wouldn't.

We all as Christians know who Jesus is. We experience his love and his kindness everyday. We know that he is full of grace. We know that he provides for us when we need it, just like he provided for the 5000. We know that he wasn't a trickster or a liar, that he is god's son brought to earth to cleanse us of our sins. So whenever we doubt, he pulls us back. Whenever we question our faith, Jesus is there to comfort us, forgive, and build us up.

Today pray that Jesus can remove any doubt in your mind. Pray that today you step out in faith to receive god's love and fullness. That you receive your daily bread and are thankful to God for the gifts that he has given you.


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