This verse from Matthew 14:15 sets the scene for the feeding of the five thousand. Let's break down its meaning:
"When evening had come..." This establishes the time of day. It's getting late, and people have likely been listening to Jesus' teachings and witnessing his miracles for a significant portion of the day.
"...his disciples came to him, saying, 'This place is deserted...'" The disciples are pointing out the practical problem: they are in a remote, uninhabited area. There are no shops or restaurants nearby.
"...and the hour is already late." This emphasizes the urgency of the situation. As night approaches, it will become increasingly difficult for people to find their way and obtain food.
"Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.'" This is the disciples' proposed solution. They suggest that Jesus dismiss the crowd so they can disperse and find food in the surrounding villages. It's a logical and seemingly responsible suggestion given the circumstances.
In essence, this verse highlights:
The Practical Concern: The disciples are concerned about the physical needs of the large crowd following Jesus. They recognize the logistical challenge of feeding so many people in a remote location.
The Disciples' Perspective: They offer what seems like a sensible and practical solution – to send the people away to fend for themselves.
The Setup for Jesus' Miracle: This verse sets the stage for Jesus to perform a miracle that goes beyond the disciples' limited perspective. It contrasts their human limitations with Jesus' divine power and compassion. He's not going to just send them away, but provide for them in a miraculous way.
The verse is crucial because it underscores the disciples' initial lack of faith and their reliance on practical solutions, paving the way for Jesus to demonstrate his power and challenge their limited perspective. It highlights that Jesus isn't just interested in spiritual needs but also in the physical well-being of those who follow him.
This verse from Matthew 14:15 sets the scene for the feeding of the five thousand. Let's break down its meaning:
"When evening had come..." This establishes the time of day. It's getting late, and people have likely been listening to Jesus' teachings and witnessing his miracles for a significant portion of the day.
"...his disciples came to him, saying, 'This place is deserted...'" The disciples are pointing out the practical problem: they are in a remote, uninhabited area. There are no shops or restaurants nearby.
"...and the hour is already late." This emphasizes the urgency of the situation. As night approaches, it will become increasingly difficult for people to find their way and obtain food.
"Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.'" This is the disciples' proposed solution. They suggest that Jesus dismiss the crowd so they can disperse and find food in the surrounding villages. It's a logical and seemingly responsible suggestion given the circumstances.
In essence, this verse highlights:
The Practical Concern: The disciples are concerned about the physical needs of the large crowd following Jesus. They recognize the logistical challenge of feeding so many people in a remote location.
The Disciples' Perspective: They offer what seems like a sensible and practical solution – to send the people away to fend for themselves.
The Setup for Jesus' Miracle: This verse sets the stage for Jesus to perform a miracle that goes beyond the disciples' limited perspective. It contrasts their human limitations with Jesus' divine power and compassion. He's not going to just send them away, but provide for them in a miraculous way.
The verse is crucial because it underscores the disciples' initial lack of faith and their reliance on practical solutions, paving the way for Jesus to demonstrate his power and challenge their limited perspective. It highlights that Jesus isn't just interested in spiritual needs but also in the physical well-being of those who follow him.