Jesus feeds a crowd of over 5,000 people with near to nothing. What does that tell us about Jesus?
Matthew 14:13-21
Sermon Outline
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:13)
Jesus’ Unsuccessful Withdrawal (Matthew 14:13)
- Withdrawing from Herod Antipas and the crowds
- Jesus pursued by the crowds into the wilderness
Jesus’ Heart (Matthew 14:13-14)
- “He had compassion on them…” (NIV)
- “His heart went out to them…”
Jesus Feeds a Great Crowd (Matthew 14:15-21)
- Recognizing the needs of the crowd and limited provision
- The gathering of the crowd
- The miraculous provision for the crowd
- Jesus’ action: take – bless – break – give
Jesus Finally Withdraws (Matthew 14:22-23)
- The disciples are sent away
- Jesus goes up to the mountain
Jesus the New Moses (Matthew 14:15-23)
- Out in the wilderness
- A huge crowd of people who are in need
- Providing miraculous food
- Jesus meets with God on the mountain
Making it Real
- Encounter Jesus’ heart
- Encounter Jesus’ provision
- Be a disciple in Jesus’ hand
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Where in the world do you feel closest to God? Why?
- This week we continue the new series, “Who Do You Say I Am?”, by looking at Matthew 14:13-23. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through the Scripture. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read that passage aloud.
- Why is it that Jesus withdraws with His disciples (see Matthew 14:1-12)? Who is it that Jesus is withdrawing from?
- What happens when Jesus makes His way to a solitary place? Who shows up (14:13)? How does Jesus respond (14:14)?
- What do you think it means that Jesus has “compassion”? You may want to look up other appearances of this same word in Matthew 9:36; 15:32; 18:27; 20:34.
- What might be good about the disciples’ concerns in verses 15-17? What might need improvement in them?
- What stands out to you about Jesus’ activity in verses 18-21?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to work through and with the disciples in this experience? What do you think the disciples might be thinking as this story unfolds?
- Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is shown to be a new Moses. How does this story of Jesus’ feeding the 5,000 echo the life of Moses? What does this tell you about who Jesus is?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 14:19
- Journal, draw, paint, or ink this story or some aspect of it as a way of reflecting on who Jesus is and how you most need to meet with Him.
- Take some time to draw away with God for a few hours or a day. Use this episode in Matthew 14 as a basis for your day alone with God. Take time in prayer and reading Scripture. Be still and rest in God. Perhaps you could use the suggestions from the Potter’s Inn as a guide here.
- Consider reading Henri Nouwen’s book Life of the Beloved, which reflects on the fourfold action of Jesus in this story (taken – blessed – broken – given) as a metaphor for the spiritual life.