Definition Matthew 14:15-21 is a specific passage in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, located within the Gospel of Matthew. It recounts the miracle of Jesus Christ feeding a large crowd, estimated at five thousand men plus women and children, with only five loaves of bread and two fish. This event is commonly known as "The Feeding of the Five Thousand" or "The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes."
Overview This biblical narrative describes Jesus and his disciples in a desolate place, having withdrawn after Jesus learned of John the Baptist's execution. As evening approaches, the disciples, concerned for the well-being of the large multitude that had followed Jesus, suggest sending the people away to buy food in nearby villages. Jesus, however, instructs his disciples to feed them. When the disciples report having only five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus takes these provisions. He commands the crowds to sit down on the grass, looks up to heaven, gives thanks, breaks the bread, and then distributes the food to his disciples, who in turn distribute it to the people. The account states that everyone ate and was satisfied, and twelve basketfuls of broken pieces were collected afterwards as leftovers. The miracle demonstrates Jesus's divine power, compassion for humanity, and ability to provide for physical needs in an abundant manner.
Etymology/Origin The passage Matthew 14:15-21 is derived from the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels of the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus's twelve apostles, who served as a tax collector. Scholars generally place its composition in Koine Greek between 70 and 100 CE. This particular miracle is significant because it is one of only two miracles (the other being the resurrection) recorded in all four canonical gospels: Matthew 14:15-21, Mark 6:35-44, Luke 9:12-17, and John 6:1-14. Its presence in multiple independent gospel accounts underscores its importance in early Christian tradition and its historical resonance.
Characteristics The characteristics of Matthew 14:15-21 include:
- Miraculous Provision: It is a testament to Jesus's supernatural power to multiply food and provide for a vast number of people from meager resources, highlighting his divine nature and authority.
- Compassion and Empathy: The miracle is presented as an act of compassion by Jesus, who did not wish to send the crowds away hungry, demonstrating his concern for human suffering.
- Disciples' Role: The narrative involves the disciples as intermediaries, first expressing concern, then presenting the available food, and finally distributing it, foreshadowing their future role in serving the spiritual needs of the church.
- Symbolism: The act of taking, blessing, breaking, and giving bread is often seen as prefiguring the institution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and symbolizes Jesus as the "bread of life" who provides spiritual nourishment.
- Abundance: Despite the initial scarcity, the outcome is not just sufficiency but an overflowing abundance, symbolized by the twelve basketfuls of leftovers, suggesting divine generosity.
- Old Testament Parallels: The event has thematic parallels with Old Testament accounts of miraculous provision in the wilderness, such as the manna provided to the Israelites (Exodus 16).
Related Topics
- The Feeding of the Four Thousand: Another similar miracle recorded in Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-10, where Jesus feeds a different multitude.
- The Eucharist (Holy Communion): The breaking and distribution of bread in this miracle are widely interpreted as a foreshadowing of the sacrament of the Eucharist in Christian worship.
- Jesus as the Bread of Life: The Gospel of John's account of this miracle is followed by Jesus's discourse in which he identifies himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35).
- Synoptic Gospels: The presence of this miracle in Matthew, Mark, and Luke highlights its significance in the shared narrative tradition of these gospels.
- Miracles of Jesus: This event is one of many miracles performed by Jesus, illustrating his power over nature and his divine mission.
- Manna from Heaven: The Old Testament account of manna in the wilderness serves as a significant biblical precedent for God's miraculous provision of food.