What 5 loaves, 2 fish, and 5,000 men teach us about faith.

The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 is one of the most well-known miracles in the Bible. It's recorded in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—highlighting its importance. Today, we are considering the version found in Mark 6:30–44. When we consider this miracle, it’s tempting to wish it meant that no one would ever go hungry again. However, this is not the case. So, we ask in good Lutheran fashion, “What does this mean?”

Setting the Scene

The narrative begins with the disciples reporting back to Jesus that the power He had given them to heal and cast out demons had worked. Thrilled and probably exhausted, they returned to Jesus. Seeing their need for rest, Jesus suggested they find a quiet place to regroup. (Moms, take note. Jesus said, “Let’s get away for a rest.” That may be all you need to hear today.) However, the crowds had other plans and followed them, eager for more teaching and miracles.

Despite Jesus’ and His disciples’ need for rest, Jesus had compassion on the crowd. Jesus' heart went out to the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Perhaps all you need to hear today is that Jesus has compassion on you when you are tired, worried, sick, depressed, lonely, etc.

The Miracle Unfolds

As the day wore on, the disciples grew concerned about the needs of the crowd. They told Jesus it was getting late and suggested He send the people away to surrounding villages find food. Instead, Jesus challenged them, saying, "You feed them." This prompted a skeptical — and perfectly reasonable! — response from the disciples, who couldn’t imagine where they could get enough food or how they would pay for it. They had only five loaves of bread and two fishes to share among themselves.

Jesus took these small offerings, blessed them, and began to distribute them. Miraculously, everyone ate their fill, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers. Considering the crowd included 5,000 men plus women and children, it’s likely that 15,000 to 20,000 people were fed that day.

Understanding the Miracle

In the modern age, some attempt to rationalize or naturalize this miracle. Common theories include the idea that the miracle was completely made up, that Jesus had hidden food in a cave, or that the sharing of food by the disciples inspired others to share as well. However, the Gospels present the event as a genuine miracle performed by Jesus.

This leads to a profound question: if Jesus can multiply food, why are people still hungry today? This same reasoning applies to other miracles. If Jesus healed the blind, why do blindness and other ailments persist? The people Jesus fed eventually became hungry again, just as those He healed likely faced illness again, and those He raised from the dead ultimately died again. So, what is the purpose of these miracles?

The Purpose of Miracles

Theologically, it's crucial to understand that Jesus never promised a life without suffering, sickness, pain, or death. Jesus performed miracles at different times for different reasons:

  • Compassion: Jesus performed miracles out of compassion, responding to the immediate needs of people. He often asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" showing His deep empathy and concern.
     
  • Establish Authority: Miracles demonstrated Jesus' divine authority. For instance, when He healed a paralytic, He said, "So that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth" (Mark 2:10).
     
  • Build Faith: Miracles were also intended to strengthen faith. When Jesus calmed the storm, He asked His disciples, "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:25). Similarly, when Peter faltered while walking on water, Jesus questioned, "Why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31).

(And one time, Jesus did a miracle for the simple and excellent reason that His mother asked Him to. He turned water into wine during the wedding at Cana so the party could continue.)

Ultimately, the miracles of Jesus are glimpses of heaven breaking into earth. They build our faith and trust in Jesus, pointing to the greater miracle of His death and resurrection. Jesus came for our redemption and new life, demonstrating God's compassion and power to build our faith.

Miracles as Foretastes of Eternity

The feeding of the 5,000 is not a promise that no one will ever go hungry again. Instead, it is a foretaste of the kingdom of God. These miracles remind us that while suffering and need exist in this world, they point to a future where every need is met in Christ. Jesus' miracles give us a glimpse of the future kingdom where there will be no hunger, blindness, sickness, or death. The feeding of the 5,000 whets our appetite for the eternity Jesus has promised and won for us. In the meantime, Jesus calls us to trust in His promises.

Living in the Meantime

While we await the fulfillment of God's kingdom, we live in a world where miracles as we typically think of them do not happen every day. (Though I would remind you that we are surrounded by the miraculous and our very existence is a miracle.) We are called to trust in Jesus' promises—our sins are forgiven, we have peace with God, and eternal life awaits those who trust in Him.

In the meantime, we follow Jesus' example by loving others, giving generously, and welcoming everyone regardless of personal differences. We proclaim the forgiveness of sins and the eternal peace that Jesus offers. We invite others to join in the banquet of forgiveness and love, living out the compassion and grace that Jesus exemplified.

The feeding of the 5,000 is a reminder of Jesus' power and compassion. It calls us to trust in His promises and to act with love and generosity in our own lives, pointing others to the eternal hope we have in Him.

Much grace and peace to you!