“You Give Them Something to Eat”
Matthew 14:13-23
The Miracles of Jesus – part 3
A. Jesus revealed his compassion for others.
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 NIV
1. His compassion led to action.
“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 they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’” Matthew 14:15 NIV
2. He included his disciples in serving others.
a. They realized their inadequacy apart from Christ.
“Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’” Matthew 14:16 NIV
“Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John 6:7 NIV
3. He used what was available, blessed it and multiplied it.
“‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. And he directed 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.” Matthew 14:18-19 NIV
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
B. The results.
1. The people all ate until they were full.
“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”
Matthew 14:20 NIV
2. Some wanted to make Him king.
“After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.”
John 6:14-15 NIV
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