Commentary on Matthew 14:21
Text of the verse: "And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children." (Matthew 14:21)
Introduction
Matthew 14:21 presents a remarkable narrative of the feeding of the five thousand, an event recorded in all four Gospels that underscores the majesty and compassion of Christ. This miracle not only signifies the physical sustenance of the multitude but also serves as a profound spiritual lesson about Jesus' ability to provide for the needs of His people.
Context and Background
This miracle takes place shortly after the news of John the Baptist's beheading reaches Jesus. In the midst of His grief, He seeks solitude, and yet, the crowds follow Him. This moment illustrates a key aspect of Christ's ministry—His unwavering compassion for the lost and weary.
Analysis of the Text
1. The Significance of the Number
The phrase "about five thousand men" indicates that this was a substantial gathering, likely involving many more when considering the women and children present. Albert Barnes highlights that counting only the men emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle. This could also reflect the hierarchical cultural norms of the time, where men were more publicly enumerated.
2. Christ's Compassion
Matthew Henry emphasizes the compassionate nature of Christ throughout this account. Jesus, seeing the multitude, was moved to heal their sick and ultimately to provide for their physical needs. This approach serves as a model for pastors and leaders who are called to shepherd their congregations with both spiritual and physical attentiveness.
3. The Resources Available
The miracle begins with the disciples' assessment of their resources. Adam Clarke notes that their response was one of despair, as they saw the vastness of the need compared to their limited means. This moment is pivotal; it teaches a lesson about the insufficiency of human resources when faced with divine tasks. Jesus takes what little they have—a few loaves and fishes—and multiplies it to feed the crowd, highlighting the divine principle that God can operate through our scarcity.
Theological Implications
1. Divine Provision
This passage illustrates God's ability to provide abundantly. The miracle can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Eucharistic symbolism later established in the New Testament. Just as Jesus provided bread to the physical body, He later offers Himself as the Bread of Life for the spiritual nourishment of believers.
2. Community and Fellowship
The gathering of such a diverse multitude signifies the inclusiveness of Jesus' ministry. In reflecting upon this verse, it is noteworthy that Jesus addresses not only the men but the families as a whole. The commentary by Matthew Henry emphasizes that the miracle reflects a community coming together, an important principle for the church today. The church is called to meet not just the spiritual but also the communal needs of its members.
Practical Applications
- Trust in God’s Provision: Just as Jesus took limited resources and multiplied them, believers are encouraged to bring their concerns and limitations to Him.
- Be Open to Serving Others: The disciples initially thought it impossible to feed the crowd. This serves as a challenge to pastors and church members to not dismiss needs due to perceived inability.
- Embrace Community: This passage calls for the church to act collectively, recognizing the strength found in unity and diversity attempting to serve a common purpose.
Conclusion
Matthew 14:21 is a verse that encapsulates the miracle of divine provision and community care. The significance of the feeding of the five thousand extends beyond mere physical sustenance—it's an invitation to trust in God's power, to serve selflessly, and to embrace the larger family as part of the Kingdom of God. Pastors, theologians, and students are encouraged to reflect deeply on these truths as they minister and engage with others in their spiritual journey.
