This verse, Mark 6:36, is a key part of the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Here's a breakdown of its meaning within the context of the narrative:
Context: Jesus and his disciples were in a remote place, and a large crowd had gathered to hear Jesus teach and be healed. Evening was approaching.
"Send them away..." The disciples are suggesting that Jesus dismiss the crowd. They're acting practically, recognizing a logistical problem.
"...that they may go into the surrounding country and villages..." The disciples are pointing out that the only way the crowd can get food is to disperse and travel to nearby populated areas.
"...and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” This highlights the core issue: the crowd is hungry and without resources in their current location. The disciples assume that the only solution is for everyone to go and fend for themselves.
In essence, the verse represents the disciples' practical, but limited, perspective on the situation. They see a problem – a hungry crowd in a remote location – and assume the only solution is for them to seek food elsewhere.
Significance:
It sets up the miracle: This verse is crucial because it highlights the seeming impossibility of feeding the crowd without a major logistical undertaking. It makes Jesus's subsequent miracle all the more remarkable.
Contrast with Jesus's compassion: The disciples' suggestion to send the people away contrasts sharply with Jesus's response. He doesn't want to dismiss them but wants to provide for their needs.
Lack of faith/Imagination: The disciples lack the faith to believe that Jesus can provide for the crowd in a miraculous way. They rely on a practical, human solution instead of looking to divine intervention.
Therefore, the verse is not simply a statement of fact, but a reflection of the disciples' limited understanding of Jesus's power and mission. It serves as a foil to highlight the extraordinary nature of the miracle that follows.
This verse, Mark 6:36, is a key part of the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Here's a breakdown of its meaning within the context of the narrative:
Context: Jesus and his disciples were in a remote place, and a large crowd had gathered to hear Jesus teach and be healed. Evening was approaching.
"Send them away..." The disciples are suggesting that Jesus dismiss the crowd. They're acting practically, recognizing a logistical problem.
"...that they may go into the surrounding country and villages..." The disciples are pointing out that the only way the crowd can get food is to disperse and travel to nearby populated areas.
"...and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” This highlights the core issue: the crowd is hungry and without resources in their current location. The disciples assume that the only solution is for everyone to go and fend for themselves.
In essence, the verse represents the disciples' practical, but limited, perspective on the situation. They see a problem – a hungry crowd in a remote location – and assume the only solution is for them to seek food elsewhere.
Significance:
It sets up the miracle: This verse is crucial because it highlights the seeming impossibility of feeding the crowd without a major logistical undertaking. It makes Jesus's subsequent miracle all the more remarkable.
Contrast with Jesus's compassion: The disciples' suggestion to send the people away contrasts sharply with Jesus's response. He doesn't want to dismiss them but wants to provide for their needs.
Lack of faith/Imagination: The disciples lack the faith to believe that Jesus can provide for the crowd in a miraculous way. They rely on a practical, human solution instead of looking to divine intervention.
Therefore, the verse is not simply a statement of fact, but a reflection of the disciples' limited understanding of Jesus's power and mission. It serves as a foil to highlight the extraordinary nature of the miracle that follows.