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Matthew 14:15-21
In Matthew 14:15-21 is recorded the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand. But to title this “Jesus feeding the five thousand” is somewhat misleading as the text states in Matthew 14:21 (NKJV), “Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.” If we take an average number of family members being four (a husband, a wife, with two children) this number of five thousand is multiplied by four to equal twenty thousand. We might then ask, “Why does the text record five thousand men, besides women and children?” The reason is that in that the culture, at that time, did not recognize women and children in a census; only the men were counted. The main reason for this is because a census was generally taken to account for the number of able fighting men to prepare for war. The Apostle Matthew made note of this event as the women and children were also part of those who would have eaten and should be included in recording the importance of this event.
The disciples of Jesus came to Him with a compassionate heart for the needs of others, that they would not go hungry. Even though they did not realize what Jesus would do to supply their needs, they trusted in Him for a solution. The solution that Jesus gave was not the solution that they were seeking but was better than that which they could comprehend at the time. Once Jesus provided a better solution to the issue, the disciples of Jesus were left in awe of the miraculous ways of their Savior.
This is an example of the ways in which Jesus will work in our lives that, as we may not realize beforehand, His ways will leave us in awe as we put our trust in Him.
We face challenges each day as we strive to find all the options for the solution; sometimes to issues that seem too big for us to overcome. These challenges are in most part the result of sin in the world. Jesus has overcome sin, and He is the solution to all the challenges of life as true life is found only by confiding in Him. As we face the daily challenges of life, we should look to the author of life for the solutions that many times seem too big for us to fathom. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and He will leave you in awe of the solutions that He will provide for you if you will trust in Him.
Dear LORD,
As we look for the solutions to the issues of life, we often are so busy striving to solve the problem that we forget to look to You for the solution. We know that You are capable of doing things in our lives that are beyond our imagination. We know that Your way for our lives is so much greater than anything that we could ever imagine. Please help us – please prompt us to think of You and Your great saving grace that You have waiting for each of us if we will just take a minute – and ask. We love You LORD, and we thank You for taking such good care of us – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.