THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S PROVISION
MATTHEW 14:13-21; 15:32-39
Introduction:
The feeding of the large crowds that followed the Lord Jesus is an interesting study. There are two different ocassions in which He fed 5,000 and 4,000. Here is the Lord manifesting His great concern for the people. His compassion is seen as He cares not only for their physical needs, but also their spiritual needs.
The abundance of the Lord’s provision is clearly see also. He not only fed the multitudes, but also taught His disciples that they need not worry about where their needs would come from. They were to trust the Bread of Life.
I. THE FEEDING OF THE 5,000
A. The Compassion of the Lord, Matthew 9:36, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
1. They were like sheep without a shepherd, Hebrews 5:2, “Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
2. His compassion moved Him to see to their needs, Matthew 14:14, “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.”
a. Their physical needs were apparent, Mark 8:3, “And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.”
1) First He healed them, Psalm 107:19-20, “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. 20He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
2) Then He fed them, Matthew 15:36-37a, “And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37And they did all eat, and were filled:”
b. Their spiritual needs were apparent only to Jesus, Isaiah 63:9, “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.”
B. The Lesson of the Lord:
1. He is able to do much more than we can imagine, Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
2. He has the resources for every need, Matthew 14:16, “But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”
C. The Provision of the Lord, Matthew 14:17-21.
1. Bring what you have to the Lord, v. 18, “He said, Bring them hither to me.”
2. Jesus blessed the provision, v. 19, “And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”
3. Jesus multiplied the provision, vs. 20-21, “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.”
II. THE ABUNDANCE OF THE LORD ON THOSE OCASSIONS
A. Of the feeding of the 5000, Mathew 14:20, “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.”
1. Everyone was perfectly satisfied, Psalm 103:4-5, “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
2. There remained TWELVE { hand baskets } baskets full. The number twelve is regarded as suggestive of Divine Administration. This was probably provision for the twelve Apostles.
B. Of the feeding of the 4000, Matthew 15:37, “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.”
1. Everyone was “filled,” Psalm 107:9, “For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
2. There were left SEVEN baskets full; the number SEVEN signifies to be full; abundant; complete.
3. These baskets were large enough for a man to sit in manifesting God’s abundance, Acts 9:25, “Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.”
CONCLUSION
Matthew 9:36, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” The Lord’s compassion continues today because we are still fainting. We are still in need. Many are lost and undone without hope and the Lord looks on our situation with compassion and says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.