Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:1-9 – 4000 Fed

CHAPTER EIGHT:
CHRIST FEEDS 4000, WARNS OF LEAVEN,
AND HEALS BLIND

[“Who Am I?”]

Key word: Warnings

Mark 8:1-9 – 4000 Fed

|| Matthew 15:32-39[1]

MK8:1 During those days a large crowd of people gathered again and had nothing to eat,[2] and so Jesus said to his disciples: MK8:2 “I feel deep pity for the crowd as they have now been with me for three days.[3] MK8:3 But if I send them away to their homes so hungry they may give out on the road, for many have come some distance.” MK8:4 So his disciples answered him: “How could anyone here in this isolated place find enough food to feed them all?” MK8:5 Jesus asked them: “How many loaves of bread do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” MK8:6 So Jesus commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, gave thanks, and broke the bread and continued giving it to his disciples to set before the people. MK8:7 Now they also had a few small fish, and he blessed these, and commanded these also to be put before the people. MK8:8 So all the people ate and were satisfied, and afterward they picked up seven baskets of leftovers. MK8:9 Now all those who had eaten numbered about four thousand, and then Jesus sent them home.

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[1] Matthew 15:32-39: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Had nothing to eat: It is possible Jesus provides an object lesson in what follows to demonstrate to the disciples about their overly materialistic concerns. [NJB ftn]

[3] Been with me for three days: Imagine a group of Christians willing to assemble three days with little or no food to hear the teachings of Jesus.

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Preceding

Mark 7 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Review Questions on Chapter Seven

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