Matthew 15:32-39 - "And Jesus called his disciples to him, and said, 'I feel compassion for the multitude...'"

Matthew 15:32-39

It wasn't too long ago that Jesus performed a very similar miracle with a multitude of five thousand, and now we find him at it again, this time feeding a multitude of four thousand. In the first feeding he multiplied five loaves and two fish resulting in twelve baskets of leftovers. Here he multiplies seven loaves and "a few small fish" resulting in seven baskets of leftovers. The details are meant to distinguish these two similar-sounding miracles. Jesus even discusses the two events and these very details with the disciples in 16:9-10 when he scolds them for their lack of faith.

Speaking of which, it's the disciples' display of unbelief that seems to be the point behind the telling of this second miracle. The circumstances are so similar to the first feeding. Jesus is mobbed by the crowds. He feels compassion for them. He spends all day--actually three straight days this time--healing their sick, and now he doesn't want to send them away hungry. He mentions this concern to the disciples and their response is, "Where would we get so many loaves in a desolate place to satisfy such a great multitude?"

You sort of expect Jesus to raise his eyes at them and wait, his mouth half open with a smile tugging at one corner, as if to say, "You're not serious, right? Tell me this is a joke. Punch line? Punch line please?" But no, the punch line never comes because the disciples are dead serious. Why Jesus! Where on earth would we ever get enough loaves to feed such a multitude, and in such a desolate place--because loaves and multitudes and feedings and desolate places just don't ring a bell with us at all?

The children of Israel saw the parting of the Red Sea, then the next thing you know they're worshipping a golden calf. It doesn't matter how great a miracle is displayed before human eyes, the human heart somehow finds a way to disbelieve. "Yes, but that was then. That was so last week. What have you done for me lately?"

Jesus doesn't betray any impatience, though he must have been exhausted after dealing with three days of non-stop demands. He goes through the exact same ritual. He has everyone sit down. He asks for the loaves. He takes them, blesses them, breaks them, and gives them out for distribution. They eat. They are satified. The disciples collect the leftovers and count the baskets. The repetitiveness is lesson-like. Let's review. Remember this? We've been here before. See how it's the same outcome?

Jesus is very patient, but he does want us to catch on eventually. He's provided for you before, and yet you doubt he will provide again? He's answered so many prayers in the past, and yet you struggle to pray now? Our excuse is that faith feels foolish and illogical. But when you see the disciples' behavior in this story, it becomes apparent that it's really unbelief that is foolish and illogical.