1 In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered,   and they had nothing to eat,

Once more, large numbers place priority on learning from   Jesus -- to neglect of body.

he called the disciples and said to them,

Training time for the 12. Presents the situation to them,   "What to do?"

2 "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been   with me now three days and have nothing to eat.

The Lord's motive: compassion. What follows is not primary   to His mission, but does meet necessary functions.

3 And if I sent them away hungry to their homes, they will   faint on the way.

He knows and feels for their state. Does not want any harm   to befall them.

And some of them have come from far away."

Great effort by some to be with Him. Supporting this may   lead to more faith.

4 And his disciples answered Him, "How can one feed these   people with bread here in this desolate place?"

What do we say when great need meets limited resource?   "How" really means "no way."

5 And He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They   said, "Seven."

Take inventory of your resources. Work with what you do   have. Give to the cause.

6 And He directed the crowd to sit down on the ground.

Not a snack on the run, but a meal -- however simple -- to   the full.

And He took the seven loaves, and having given thanks,

Taking control of what they had. Showing example of   thankfulness. Asking blessing.

He broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before   the people;

Doing what only He could do: multiply the material. What   they could do: distribute.

and they set them before the crowd.

Going out among such a large number. Work on their part.   Face to face with many.

7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them,   He said that these also should be set before them.

These came on later. Held back until they saw what Jesus   could do? The second course even better.

8 And they ate and were satisfied.

The Lord's intent: to make enough to fill up on.

And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven   baskets full.

None whole loaves or fish. Each broken to share. More than   they started with.    Note

9 And there were about four thousand people.

1K less mouths this time. Yet a huge supper.

And He sent them away.

Now it was safe to send them on their journeys homeward --   full and content.

10 And immediately He got into the boat with His disciples   and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

Time to move on. The Lord does not stay still for long.   Always another appointment. Now to the West Central shore.

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with Him,

Lit: commenced a controverted investigation. Blatantly   antagonistic.

seeking a sign from heaven to test Him.

Not a repeat of previous signs, but a dramatic   presentation -- like Elijah.

12 And He sighed deeply in His spirit and said,

A groan of distress (not compassion). His spirit amazed at   their stubborn unbelief.

"Why does this generation seek a sign?

What is the cause of the craving this age has for the   dramatic wonders? Not good.

Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."

God has no interest in overcoming invincible unbelief. No   amount of miracles will turn the convicted disbeliever.

13 And He left them, got into the boat again, and went to   the other side.

Brings an end to this conversation. On to others more receptive,   worthy.

14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had   only one loaf with them in the boat.

Normally, provision for travel are wise to make. Sometimes   hasty movements catch us unprepared.

15 And He cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of   the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."

Jesus of another mind. Wanting bread makes Him think of a   warning: don't settle for a bad substitute for real needs.

16 And they began discussing with one another the fact   that they had no bread.

Their minds still on physical bread -- the shortage of   their bodily provisions.

17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you   discussing the fact that you have no bread?

Boys, you've missed the connection. Your heads are still   in your bellies.

Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are you hearts   hardened?

They were given cause to think better. Scolding for   missing their opportunity.

18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not   hear? And do you not remember?

Must apply ourselves to learning wisdom. We can improve   our opportunities to great advantage. Meditate on memory.

19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how   many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to Him,   "Twelve."

Recounting these two separate events. Different occasions.   Different numbers. Different baskets. But - one common lesson.

20 And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets   full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to Him, "Seven."

Each time they recall the results. What did this mean?   Jesus can provide. He's not worried about food. He's thinking about what we   really need.

21 And He said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"

Suniemi = Lit. "put it together." to comprehend wisdom.   Yet: it is time.