In my prior post, Seeking Blessings, I wrote about Jesus feeding five thousand people by multiplying a boy’s lunch. It is impossible to ignore what an amazing thing this miracle was. In fact, I’d say using the word “amazing” in conjunction with a miracle is kind of redundant, isn’t it? By definition, a miracle is amazing. Jesus did amazing things! That’s all there is to it.

“How could He do these things?” is a logical question to ask. The answer is simple: He is the Son of God. And being the “son” of God is more than what we think of when we think of “sons.” The book of Hebrews tells us that “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word” (Heb 1:3).  Jesus Himself claims that, “I and the Father are one” (Jon 10:30). Jesus’ opponents understood clearly His implication, that He was equal with God, and wanted to kill him for it (see Jon 10:22-39).

The Apostle John boldly begins his gospel by stating, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jon 1:1). Jesus is far more than the kind of son that we think of in the worldly sense. He is everything that God is. He is one with God. He is God.

Because Jesus is God, He can perform miracles. He can manipulate the creation, and everything in it, because He made it. And this ability, as Jesus Himself says, is a sign of who He is.  This is why Jesus expresses disappointment when people follow Him merely to receive blessings rather than seeing who He really is (see Jon 6:25-40 and Seeking Blessings). He is God of the universe. All powerful, mighty, and awesome. The one, spoken of from the beginning, who would give us life eternal.

Sometimes, it seems we forget the simple fact that Jesus is God. He has the power to control all things. Even though we have seen Him act time and again, not only in scripture, but in our own lives, we lose sight of how powerful He is. Our God can and will act. A story in scripture, similar to the feeding of the five thousand, bares this out: The feeding of the four thousand.

First, let’s be clear, these are different events. Some still mistakenly think of this as a retelling of the same event. However, there are different details in each of these stories. They took place in different places at different times. We might also recall that the feeding of the five thousand is told in every one of the Gospels: Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, and John 6. While, the feeding of the four thousand is included only in Matthew’s and Mark’s gospel. Specifically, Matthew 15:29-39 and Mark 8:1-10.

While there are interesting differences in these miracles, I don’t tend to think of one as being greater than another. Yes, one relates to five thousand, while the other was four thousand, not including women and children, obviously, a bigger number. But for the God of the universe, does that matter? Is changing water into wine less difficult than calming the storm? It all takes the power of God Himself, doesn’t it? All are amazing! All remind us of who Jesus is? It is almost silly to think of big miracles and small miracles. A miracle is a miracle. They all take the power of God Himself.

Yes, there are differences in these amazing miracles but there are important similarities as well. First, and I think I’ve made this clear, they are a sign of Jesus’ power and of Who He is. They can only be done by the power of God. Additionally, each of these miracles, and all of what Jesus does in one way or another, is driven by Jesus’ compassion for people.

When Jesus feeds the five thousand, Matthew relates, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (Mat 14:14). Then when evening approached, Jesus would not send them away hungry (see Mat 14:15-16). Similarly, when feeding the four thousand, “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way”’ (Mat 15:32). When we remember Jesus’ power, we need to always remember that the use of His power is never separated from His compassion.

Another thing that is similar is the reaction of Jesus’ disciples. In both cases, they seem unable to comprehend where the food would come from to feed all the people. In the case of the five thousand, this seems understandable. After all, there is no indication that they have seen Jesus do anything like this before. Why would they have an expectation that Jesus would, or could, expand five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men, plus women and children? They have no frame of reference. They don’t have a full understanding of what Jesus can do or, perhaps, who He is.

But the feeding of the four thousand is different. This miracle takes place probably six months later. They have already seen Jesus do many great things. Even, specifically, feeding a multitude. Have they already forgotten? They ask, “…’Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?’” (Mat 15:33). Duh! Jesus, the Lord of the universe, the Son of God, is right there. And they saw Him do the same thing before!

I’m mystified! Then I look at myself. I see all the ways He’s worked. I remember what He has taken me through. Have I already forgotten? I’m not so different from the disciples. They had seen Jesus miraculously feed five thousand but, when a new problem arises, they wonder “how will this problem be solved?” The answer is Jesus. He is always the answer. Even when His answer is different than what we expect.

I don’t know what problems will arise for me tomorrow. I can’t see the future. I don’t know what issues, problems, or needs you have today or will have tomorrow. But we know Jesus has the power to do anything. We know He has compassion for us. We have seen what He has done in the past. We can trust Him with each new day.

David Foucar has a passion for teaching God’s word. His first book, “What Do I Say When Asked About Jesus?” is a conversational approach to helping people answer questions about Jesus. The book provides a layman’s perspective on personal evangelism and the basics of the Christian faith. Dave has been married for thirty-six years to the love of his life, Debbie. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. To read more of David’s writing visit his Substack page.

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