Christ’s miracle of feeding the five thousand is unique in that it is the only one that all four gospel writers mention (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke; John 6:1-14). It illustrates Jesus’ authority over nature and His divine intervention on behalf of others, showing that He is concerned about both humans’ physical and spiritual needs.
Jesus is moved with compassion at the sight of thousands of people who had made a great effort to hear His message of hope. Although He is tired after a long day (and mourning the death of John the Baptist), He embraces the opportunity to teach them and heal the sick among them. This miracle is a magnificent act of creative power. No amount of human reasoning can reduce this miracle to a natural phenomenon. Indeed, complete understanding of miracles is beyond human capability to understand.
Jesus Christ was moved by a deeper sense of compassion and it compelled him to do something.
What is Compassion?
A strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering and a desire to help them (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 7th Edition, Oxford University Press)
Sympathy, usually granted because of unusual or distressing circumstances – NLT Dictionary/Concordance [Quotation from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (Life Application Study Bible), page 1572, Tyndale House Publishers]
Biblical Connotation: FAITH plus LOVE in ACTION
Who Can Show Compassion?
All of us!
Matthew 14:19-21, “We often feel that our contribution to Jesus is meager, but he can use and multiply whatever we give him, whether it is talent, time or treasure. It is when we give them to Jesus that our resources are multiplied.”
The Ultimate Goal
Felt Needs – Matthew 6:25-34; James 2:14-17
- Day to day sustenance/Natural Disasters, Relief
- Food, shelter, clothing, medicine, etc
Real Need – Acts 3:1-9
- Sustainability, Progress, Development
- Education, Empowerment
Ultimate Need – John 6:22-29; John 10:10
- Abundant Life, A Secure Eternal Destiny
- Vision for this life and the afterlife
Points to Ponder
- Christian Compassion is more than sympathy. It is FAITH plus LOVE in ACTION.
- Jesus Christ demonstrated the Father’s compassionate heart through his public ministry and sacrificial death on the cross (John 3:16).
- It is difficult to be genuinely compassionate unless you have experienced God’s love and forgiveness through Christ (Philippians 2:1-11)
- Are you just involved or committed?
- Are you ready to pay the cost of following Jesus Christ and being compassionate?
- Would you lay down your life and suffer for Christ’s sake?
International Christian Center 