Archives by: Gary Hoag

Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then He went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and He healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” Matthew 15:29-32

“Observe in this instance, that He does not proceed immediately to the miracle but calls them out even into the desert. The multitudes who had come for healing were not even daring to ask for food. But He is here seen to be the Benevolent and Provident One who gives even to those that do not ask. He said to His disciples, “I have compassion and will not send them away hungry.” And lest someone might say that they came having provisions for the way, He noted, “They have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat, so that even if some came with provision, it has by now been consumed.” Therefore, Jesus did not do this on the first or second day but only when everything had been entirely consumed, in order that by having first been in need, they might more eagerly receive the miracle of food.”

John Chrysostom in The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 53.1 in Matthew 14-28, volume 1b, edited by Manlio Simonetti (ACCS; Downers Grove: IVP, 2001) 35.

For 4,000 days today, God has been leading me into the desert to teach me things. I never dreamed I’d share these lessons with a multitude of readers. Thanks for joining me on the journey.

Let us observe with Chrysostom, that Jesus takes us into the desert and waits until we have expended all our resources and have great need, then, because He is the Benevolent and Provident One, He supplies.

If there is one lesson I have learned about generosity that comes into view in this miracle, it is this. God wants us to trust Him and our only right response is to follow. We figure it out as we live it out.

His plan with the people was to minister to their brokenness and lead them to a place of “oh no what are we going to do” only to provide an abundance. Faith leads us to a place of total dependence.

So, wherever you are today, remember, Jesus sees your situation. He knows what you need. Just follow Him. Sit at His feet. He is just writing the story of the next miracle He is going to do for you.

And if He seems silent in the desert. Rest assured, you are not forgotten. For when the Benevolent and Provident One acts. You will partake and be satisfied and there will be enough for everyone.

In that moment, enjoy and share all He richly provides and praise the God of Israel so others might come to know Him.

Then He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. Matthew 15:36

“He then broke the loaves (for it was in the breaking that the bread multiplied) and gave to His disciples, and they to the multitude. Though the disciples had distrusted Christ’s power, yet He made use of them now as before; he is not provoked, as He might be, by the weakness and infirmities of His ministers, to lay them aside; but still He gives to them, and they to His people, of the word of life.”

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) in Commentary on Matthew 15.

Today is post number 3,999. As I approach 4,000 daily posts over the past 11 years, I chose to explore the deep nuances of the feeding of the 4,000.

I want to thank the many people who have emailed me kind comments in response: both for the diligence of my journey and the blessing of this recent study. Look for me to do other deep dives on texts like this.

Again, the miracle appears in two Gospels, Matthew and Mark. It is fitting to explore it at this time because it contains themes of compassion and generosity.

Let us pause and give thanks that our Lord is not provoked by our “weakness and infirmities” and does not lay us aside for our frailties but makes use of us.

Father, forgive us for our lack of faith. Help us in our unbelief. Spirit, empower us in our weakness. Thanks that we get to participate with You, Jesus, in Your work. Be glorified in our service. Amen.

“The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel…They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” Matthew 15:31, 37

“Many scholars think that the feeding of the five thousand and the feeding of the four thousand are different versions of the same incident; but that is not so. As we have seen, the date is different; the first took place in the spring, the second in the summer. The feeding of the four thousand took place in Decapolis. Decapolis literally means ten cities, and the Decapolis was a loose federation of ten free Greek cities.

On this occasion there would be many Gentiles present, perhaps more Gentiles than Jews. It is that fact that explains the curious phrase in verse 31, “They glorified the God of Israel.” To the Gentile crowds this was a demonstration of the power of the God of Israel.

There is another curious little hint of difference. In the feeding of the five thousand the baskets which were used to take up the fragments are called kophinoi; in the feeding of the four thousand they are called sphurides. The kophinos was a narrow-necked, flask-shaped basket which Jews often carried with them, for a Jew often carried his own food, lest he should be compelled to eat food that had been touched by Gentile hands and was therefore unclean. The sphuris was much more like a hamper; it could be big enough to carry a man, and it was a kind of basket a Gentile would use.

The wonder of this story is that in these healings and in this feeding of the hungry, we see the mercy and the compassion of Jesus going out to the Gentiles. Here is the kind of symbol and foretaste that the bread of God was not to be confined to the Jews; that the Gentiles were also to have their share of Him who is the living bread.”

William Barclay in The Gospel of Matthew, volume 2 (DSBS; Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1975) 126.

This week as I approach 4,000 daily posts over the past 11 years, we are exploring the deep nuances of the feeding of the 4,000. This miracle appears in two Gospels, Matthew and Mark, and it seems fitting to explore at this time because contains themes of compassion and generosity.

As we dig deeper into Matthew’s account we see further details that explain the difference between the feeding of the 5,000 which happened among the Jews and the feeding of the 4,000 which took place in Gentile territory.

Striking to me was the “curious little hint” that Barclay brings out and how it relates to our generosity, especially in seasons of racial division and strife.

The fact that the bread of life was for everyone, Jews and Gentiles (all non-Jews), means that our generosity and compassion, our kindness and love, should likewise touch everyone.

Imagine that even the Gentile hampers are made clean by the one who fills them in abundance. And how beautiful that they acknowledge and exalt the God of Israel.

How might our generosity demonstrate that God’s love is for everyone? What could we include in our giving to show compassion to those who are lost or labeled as unclean?

The significance of the curious little hint cannot be understated. It’s God winking at those who think they are outside the love of God. There is plenty of bread the hamper. Take, eat, and be satisfied.

Jesus called his disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” Matthew 15:32-34

“Verse 33 provides both the interpretive crux and the potential key to understanding this passage. At first, the disciples’ question seems to reflect the height of obtuseness. The solution to their problem is obviously for Jesus to do what He did before and work a miracle. But the emphatic “we” (a uniquely Matthean touch), corresponding to the emphatic “you” of 14:16, may explain matters.

Previously, Jesus had told His disciples to solve the problem themselves. They couldn’t, so He did. Nut He has consistently passed on His miracle-working authority to the Twelve, including as recently as 14:28-31 (despite the abrupt ending of Peter’s walking on the water). Most likely the disciples think that Jesus’ remarks in v. 32 imply that they should miraculously provide food for the crowd, and they are not convinced they can do it.”

Craig L. Blomberg in Matthew: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (NAC; Brentwood: Broadman, 1992) 246.

This week as I approach 4,000 daily posts over the past 11 years, we are exploring the deep nuances of the feeding of the 4,000. This miracle appears in two Gospels, Matthew and Mark, and it seems fitting to explore at this time because contains themes of compassion and generosity.

As I turned from Mark’s Gospel to Matthew’s account of the feeding of the 4,000 with help from Craig Blomberg, I was struck by the terms “obviously” and “miraculously.”

With the disciples, I would have “obviously” thought that it was time for Jesus to again work His magic. It was time for Him to feed the hungry masses again. After all, He is the Son of God.

But like only Jesus can do, He calls them to participate in it. He wants them to exhibit faith in the God who can do miracles in order to draw the people closer to God.

This is the challenge I find often in my role as CEO. God shows me He can do miracles. Then He wants me to put to work what I have and rally people to see His glory.

But like the disciples, often I am not “convinced” I can do it. Jesus said that the disciples would do greater things. But do we believe the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us?

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” Mark 8:1-3

“Jesus’ compassion for the crowd prompts Him a second time to feed a large crowd, which has been with Him for three days without anything to eat. The “three days” emphasizes their great need, which is compounded by traveling a long distance to hear Jesus. They are in a desolate area far from home, and Jesus fears that they might faint if He sends them away without some nourishment. This detail underscores the great attraction of Jesus. People flock to Him to a desert place and are willing to go hungry for three days without a single complaint.”

David E. Garland in Mark (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996) 305.

Over the next week, as I approach 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 two Gospels, Matthew and Mark, and it seems fitting to explore at this time because contains themes of compassion and generosity.

Three days. It is the length of time in Scripture that links to divine intervention. Esther calls for a three-day fast. Jonah is in the belly of the whale for three days. Jesus accomplishes our eternal salvation in three days. I could give many more examples.

These people have not eaten for three days. Jesus has compassion on them. They set aside their physical desires to feed on the bread of life, so He meets them with divine intervention and feeds their empty stomachs. Imagine how hungry they would have been?

What comes into view for me is that regardless of our needs, if we sit at the feet of Jesus, He can meet them. And, if we are close to Him, He may ask us to distribute what He supplies to others. And if we think it’s not going to be enough, we just have to trust Him.

“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. Mark 8:5

“The feeding of the four thousand and the feeding of the five thousand share more in common than any two stories in the Gospel of Mark. Both stories occur in deserted settings. Both emphasize Jesus’ compassion on the crowds. Both repeat the question, “How many loaves do you have? The command to recline is similar in booth, as is that prayer and participation oof the disciples. In both the words and serving of the loaves follow the same sequence and in both “the people ate and were satisfied.” Leftovers were gathered after both meals and both condole with Jesus dismissing the crowds and taking a boat trip.”

James R. Edwards in The Gospel according to Mark (PNTC; Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 2002) 227

Over the next week, as I approach 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’s comments from Edwards alert us to the similarities between the accounts among Jews (the feeding of the 5,000) and the Gentiles (the feeding of the 4,000). In particular, I want to draw out the significance of this question: “How many loaves do you have?”

Any generosity in our lives flows from our practice of stewardship. Faithful stewards put to work what they have in keeping with the Master’s wishes. Whenever there is a need, Jesus taught the disciples to put to work what they had. That’s when God supplies more.

Because it’s Father’s Day in the USA, I want to take a moment to honor my father, John E. Hoag or “Jack” for short, for modeling this for me. My parents never had much money, but whatever they did have, they put it to work faithfully. God always supplied more so we had all we needed. Thanks Dad.

If you are in a place of need, use what you have faithfully. The fact that Jesus asked this question in both contexts points to its relevance to all of His disciples everywhere for all time. There are many needs in the world today. “How many loaves do you have?”

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.

In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.” Mark 8:1-2

“The multitude is the object of Jesus’ compassion… It denotes not a mere sentiment, but a pity which expresses itself in active assistance… Jesus’ compassion for the multitude leads him to teach,  too heal the sick, to feed the hungry… While [in Mark 6:34] the ground of compassion is the fact that the people are like sheep without a shepherd, here [in Mark 8:1-2] it is the fact that they have been so long without food.”

C.E.B. Cranfield in The Gospel According To St Mark (CGTC; New York; Cambridge University Press, 1959) 216, 217, 255.

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 Cranfield reminds us that compassion is active assistance empowered by the Father. If people are lost, Jesus helps them find their way. If they are hungry, he perceives this with pity, then moves to action. What about us? Do we discern the needs of those around us and act using what we have?

This text is also relevant for my situation as president and CEO of GTP. I teach people all over the world to focus not on what they don’t have to change their situation, but to put to work what they do have. In this miracle, they had seven loaves and a few small fish.

What do you have? How are you using what you have with pity coupled with active assistance empowered by the Father? Father, fill us with the same compassion that Jesus exhibited and may we too have pity on those around us and actively assist them trusting you to supply by your Spirit whatever we need. Amen.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

“Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick cure for it. As busy, active, relevant [people], we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer.”

Henri J. M. Nouwen in The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence (New York: HarperCollins, 1981) 34.

Want to be generous and make a real contribution in the lives of people who are suffering? Enter into solidarity with them. Move toward weakness, vulnerability, loneliness, and brokenness. Don’t ignore the greatest gift we have to give others, especially in hard times.

Practically, think of one person right now who may be suffering. Think of a way you can move toward them. Be present with them. Enter into their suffering. Don’t try to fix it (like I am prone to do). Ask God to help you love them generously. Let the action flow after that.

Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived. 2 Kings 25:30

“Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king’s palace with a store to last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord’s people. A daily portion is all that a man really wants. We do not need tomorrow’s supplies; that day has not yet dawned, and its wants are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet; if we have enough for each day as the days arrive we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy.

We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day’s supply of food and raiment; the surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveller, but a bundle of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the veriest glutton can truly enjoy. This is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with his daily allowance. Jehoiachin’s case is ours, we have a sure portion, a portion given us of the king, a gracious portion, and a perpetual portion. Here is surely ground for thankfulness.

Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of strength. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance that a daily portion is provided for you. In the word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God you shall receive renewed strength. In Jesus all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon in Morning and Evening: Daily Readings (Albany, Oregon: Sage Software, 1996) morning reading for for 14 February.

I can’t get the picture out of my mind that we only need one staff. Can you imagine carrying a pile of them? It would weigh us down. It illustrates vividly for me that we must put to work what God supplies and not carry it around as that only burdens us, brings anxiety, and slows our service.

The fact that God’s provision for us is gracious, perpetual, and daily must stay with us. It is faithfully supplied by our loving and caring God. He’s as reliable as the sunrise. And when we fail to trust in and acknowledge this, we exhibit “a craving for more” that reveals we are “ungrateful.”

So, what does your use of possessions reveal about you? Do you store up that which God intended to be put to use? When we thrive thanks to His “continual allowance” the world takes notice. We point people to our generous Provider so they too can taste and experience His matchless goodness.