Mark 6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 6:35-44 – 5000 Fed

Mark 6:35-44 – 5000 Fed

|| Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13

MK6:35 Now when the hour grew late, Jesus’ disciples approached him and said: “This spot is really isolated and it is getting late. MK6:36 Send the crowd away so they may return to their own country and villages [[and get some food for themselves]].”[1] MK6:37 But Jesus answered and said to them: “You give them something to eat!” And they replied: “Do you want us to go, buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give that to them to eat?” MK6:38 Jesus asked them: “How many loaves do you have? Go and look.” But they already knew, and said: “Five [loaves], and two fish.”[2] MK6:39 Then Jesus commanded the crowd to sit down in groups on the green grass. MK6:40 And all the people saw down in groups of hundreds and fifties. MK6:41 Next Jesus took the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven he blessed them. Then he broke the loaves and continued giving his disciples [the bread] to set before the people. Also, the two fish he divided among them all. MK6:42 So all of the people ate and were satisfied. MK6:43 Afterward they gathered up the leftovers in twelve baskets full of scrapes. MK6:44 Now all those who ate from the loaves amounted to five thousand men.[3]

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[1] The bracketed portion is not adequately supported.

[2] Five [loaves], and two fish: Such was going to feed twelve hungry men. Likely the fish was dried and salted. Unless one has eaten this kind of sturdy bread it is difficult to believe such was sustaining. We can see the simplicity of their meals compared to a western diet. Likely a fresh water stream was nearby, or they used the lake water.

[3] Five thousand men: The Greek is the word for males, ANDRES, thus including women and children the crowd was even larger.

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Preceding

Mark 6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 6:1-6 – A Prophet Without Honor

Mark 6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 6:7-13 – Apostles Sent Out by Twos

Mark 6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 6:14-20 – King Herod Marvels About Jesus

Mark 6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 6:21-29 – A Birthday Beheading

Mark 6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 6:30-34 – Jesus Pities Sheep Without Shepherd

Matthew 14:14-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: 5,000 Fed

Matthew 15:32-39 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: 4000 Fed