The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present. After He had sent them away, He got into the boat with His disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. Mark 8:8-10
“The second feeding miracle, like the first, portrays Jesus as the authoritative Messiah and a compassionate shepherd feeding His people in a “wilderness” place — a preview of the messianic banquet. By narrating this second miracle int the Decapolis and placing it in the context of Jesus’ interaction with Gentiles, Mark implicitly affirms that the invitation to the messianic banquet is not for Israelites alone but for all people everywhere.”
Mark L. Strauss in Mark (ZECNT; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014) 327.
Over the next week, since we are approaching 4,000 daily posts over the past 11 years, we will explore the deep nuances of the feeding of the 4,000. This miracle appears in Matthew and Mark and seems fitting to explore at this time because contains themes of compassion and generosity.
Today we discover that there is a distinct purpose with this miracle. It’s a message about the Messiah for Gentiles. Whereas the feeding of the 5,000 implied that Jesus could provide for all the Jews with the 12 baskets leftover, this miracle has 7 baskets left showing a number of perfection.
While many wander hungry through the wilderness of life, Jesus is just what the whole world needs. Let’s share Him with others generously and with compassion. Notice that after the miracle, Jesus was back on the mission of the Father. Let’s maintain our missional focus.