Day 6 ~ Mark 1:6 - 7:11

Of all the miracles that we find in this section of scripture, the feeding of the five thousand plus women and children, seems to be one of the greatest. The total number of people would have been around twenty thousand. We find this important enough to be recorded in all four gospels, Matt 13:13, Mark 6:30, Luke 9:10, John 6:1.

John relates that Jesus asked Philip where they should buy bread for these people. Philip answered by saying two hundred denarii would not be enough to buy bread to feed all the people. One denarius was a days wage, and the disciples didn't have nearly enough.

The was a boy in the crowd who had five loaves of bread and two small fish. Jesus looking to the heavens blessed the food and breaking the loaves and fish, gave it to the disciples to feed the people. After eating enough to satisfy all the people, the disciples collected twelve baskets of broken pieces.

First, we see that this took place after a full day of teaching.

Second, we see the disciples wanted to take the easy way out, as most of us do.

Third, Jesus tested Philip's faith. How strong is our faith?

Fourth, would you and I believe that feeding all twenty thousand would be possible with five loaves of bread and two small fish.

Bob Hogan