Ministry to the Whole Person: Mark 8:1-3
“1) In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and *said to them, 2) “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3) If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.”” Mark 8:1-3
Before looking at the full story of Jesus feeding the four thousand, we need to look at His heart. What prompted Him to feed this multitude?
First, it must be noted that this was a spontaneous crowd in a remote place. It was not a planned event so there were no provisions for food, clothing or shelter.
Second, many of them had been there for three days and nights. It turned into an impromptu time of fasting.
Third, there was no end in sight for the spiritual awakening. They had found something in Jesus Christ that was more fulfilling than food or shelter. Such has often been the phenomenon accompanying spiritual awakenings. Time consciousness is often lost in the presence of God.
Fourth, Jesus felt compassion for the many people. He was not on an ego trip; He cared for them. Think about this, He was the Creator and knew well the physical needs of the human body. He cared for them both spiritually and physically.
Finally, Jesus took the initiative to minister to their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. Some would say He had a wholistic approach to ministry. He is the Provider of both our physical and spiritual needs.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“1) In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples and *said to them, 2) “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3) If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.”” Mark 8:1-3
Before looking at the full story of Jesus feeding the four thousand, we need to look at His heart. What prompted Him to feed this multitude?
First, it must be noted that this was a spontaneous crowd in a remote place. It was not a planned event so there were no provisions for food, clothing or shelter.
Second, many of them had been there for three days and nights. It turned into an impromptu time of fasting.
Third, there was no end in sight for the spiritual awakening. They had found something in Jesus Christ that was more fulfilling than food or shelter. Such has often been the phenomenon accompanying spiritual awakenings. Time consciousness is often lost in the presence of God.
Fourth, Jesus felt compassion for the many people. He was not on an ego trip; He cared for them. Think about this, He was the Creator and knew well the physical needs of the human body. He cared for them both spiritually and physically.
Finally, Jesus took the initiative to minister to their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs. Some would say He had a wholistic approach to ministry. He is the Provider of both our physical and spiritual needs.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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