The Feeding of the Five Thousand

30 And the apostles are gathered together unto Jesus, and they told him all, and how many things they did, and how many things they taught, 31 and he said to them, 'Come ye yourselves apart to a desert place, and rest a little,' for those coming and those going were many, and not even to eat had they opportunity, 32 and they went away to a desert place, in the boat, by themselves. 33 And the multitudes saw them going away, and many recognised him, and by land from all the cities they ran thither, and went before them, and came together to him, 34 and having come forth, Jesus saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion on them, that they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach many things. 35 And now the hour being advanced, his disciples having come near to him, say,—'The place is desolate, and the hour is now advanced, 36 let them away, that, having gone away to the surrounding fields and villages, they may buy to themselves loaves, for what they may eat they have not.' 37 And he answering said to them, 'Give ye them to eat,' and they say to him, 'Having gone away, may we buy two hundred denaries' worth of loaves, and give to them to eat?' 38 And he saith to them, 'How many loaves have ye? go and see;' and having known, they say, 'Five, and two fishes.' 39 And he commanded them to make all recline in companies upon the green grass, 40 and they sat down in squares, by hundreds, and by fifties. 41 And having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves, and was giving to his disciples, that they may set before them, and the two fishes divided he to all, 42 and they did all eat, and were filled, 43 and they took up of broken pieces twelve hand-baskets full, and of the fishes, 44 and those eating of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 6:30-44

Commentary on Mark 6:30-44

(Read Mark 6:30-44)

Let not ministers do any thing or teach any thing, but what they are willing should be told to their Lord. Christ notices the frights of some, and the toils of others of his disciples, and provides rest for those that are tired, and refuge for those that are terrified. The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they should not want bodily food. If Christ and his disciples put up with mean things, surely we may. And this miracle shows that Christ came into the world, not only to restore, but to preserve and nourish spiritual life; in him there is enough for all that come. None are sent empty away from Christ but those who come to him full of themselves. Though Christ had bread enough at command, he teaches us not to waste any of God's bounties, remembering how many are in want. We may, some time, need the fragments that we now throw away.