This verse, "They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish,”" from Matthew 14:17 is a crucial setup for the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
Context: Jesus is in a remote place with a large crowd who have been listening to him. It's getting late, and the disciples realize the people are hungry.
"They told him...": This refers to the disciples of Jesus. They've assessed the situation and are informing Jesus of their limited resources.
"We only have here...": The disciples are emphasizing the meager nature of their provisions. They are highlighting the scarcity.
"Five loaves and two fish.": This is the literal description of what they have. It's a ridiculously small amount of food to feed such a vast crowd.
In essence, the verse means:
The disciples are telling Jesus that the only food available is five loaves of bread and two fish, which is completely inadequate to feed the enormous crowd that has gathered. They are presenting the problem and their inability to solve it.
Significance:
Highlights the problem: The verse starkly illustrates the magnitude of the challenge. It's a seemingly impossible situation.
Sets the stage for the miracle: The disciples' statement emphasizes the lack of resources, which makes the subsequent miracle of feeding 5,000 with just this little food even more remarkable. The contrast between the limited food and the vast crowd highlights the divine power of Jesus.
Demonstrates the disciples' initial lack of faith: The disciples are focused on the limitations of their resources rather than the possibilities with Jesus. They are thinking practically, but not spiritually.
Underlines Jesus' compassion: Knowing the need and the lack, Jesus will act to provide for the crowd. This displays his care and concern for their well-being.
In summary, Matthew 14:17 is a small but pivotal verse that underscores the dire circumstances and sets the scene for a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine power and compassion. It highlights the contrast between human limitations and divine abundance.
This verse, "They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish,”" from Matthew 14:17 is a crucial setup for the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
Context: Jesus is in a remote place with a large crowd who have been listening to him. It's getting late, and the disciples realize the people are hungry.
"They told him...": This refers to the disciples of Jesus. They've assessed the situation and are informing Jesus of their limited resources.
"We only have here...": The disciples are emphasizing the meager nature of their provisions. They are highlighting the scarcity.
"Five loaves and two fish.": This is the literal description of what they have. It's a ridiculously small amount of food to feed such a vast crowd.
In essence, the verse means:
The disciples are telling Jesus that the only food available is five loaves of bread and two fish, which is completely inadequate to feed the enormous crowd that has gathered. They are presenting the problem and their inability to solve it.
Significance:
Highlights the problem: The verse starkly illustrates the magnitude of the challenge. It's a seemingly impossible situation.
Sets the stage for the miracle: The disciples' statement emphasizes the lack of resources, which makes the subsequent miracle of feeding 5,000 with just this little food even more remarkable. The contrast between the limited food and the vast crowd highlights the divine power of Jesus.
Demonstrates the disciples' initial lack of faith: The disciples are focused on the limitations of their resources rather than the possibilities with Jesus. They are thinking practically, but not spiritually.
Underlines Jesus' compassion: Knowing the need and the lack, Jesus will act to provide for the crowd. This displays his care and concern for their well-being.
In summary, Matthew 14:17 is a small but pivotal verse that underscores the dire circumstances and sets the scene for a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine power and compassion. It highlights the contrast between human limitations and divine abundance.