Mark 6:38

"Go and see how many loaves you have," He told them. And after checking, they said, "Five--and two fish."

Study Bible

How many loaves do you have?
This question posed by Jesus is not merely about assessing resources but is a call to faith and recognition of God's provision. The Greek word for "loaves" (ἄρτους, artous) refers to the basic sustenance of life, symbolizing what is available to us in our daily lives. Jesus' inquiry encourages the disciples to take stock of what they have, however meager, and trust that God can multiply it for His purposes. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God often uses what we already possess, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to accomplish His will.

He asked
The act of asking here is significant. Jesus, the omniscient Son of God, already knows the answer, yet He chooses to engage His disciples in this process. This reflects a teaching method that involves participation and reflection. The Greek verb used here (λέγει, legei) implies a continuous action, suggesting that Jesus' questions are an ongoing invitation to dialogue and deeper understanding. It highlights the relational aspect of Jesus' ministry, where He involves His followers in His work, teaching them to rely on divine provision.

Go and see
This command is an invitation to action and discovery. The Greek word for "go" (ὑπάγετε, hypagete) is an imperative, urging the disciples to move and investigate. It suggests that faith is not passive but requires active participation. The phrase "and see" (καὶ ἴδετε, kai idete) implies a deeper perception beyond the physical act of looking. It is a call to discernment, to see with eyes of faith what God can do with what is available. This directive encourages believers to step out in faith, trusting that God will reveal His power and provision.

And when they found out
This phrase indicates a process of discovery and realization. The Greek word for "found out" (γνόντες, gnontes) comes from the root γινώσκω (ginōskō), which means to know or to come to know. It suggests an experiential knowledge gained through investigation. This reflects the journey of faith, where understanding often comes through obedience and action. The disciples' discovery is a precursor to witnessing a miracle, emphasizing that revelation often follows faithful inquiry and obedience.

they said, 'Five, and two fish.'
The response of the disciples highlights the limited resources available, yet it sets the stage for a miraculous provision. The number "five" in biblical numerology often symbolizes grace, while "two" can represent witness or testimony. The Greek word for "fish" (ἰχθύας, ichthyas) is significant in early Christian symbolism, representing Christ Himself. This meager offering, when placed in Jesus' hands, becomes more than sufficient. It serves as a powerful reminder that God can take our limited resources and, through His grace, use them to meet the needs of many. This encourages believers to offer what they have, trusting in God's ability to multiply and bless it for His glory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
- The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who asks the disciples to assess their resources. His question sets the stage for the miracle of feeding the five thousand.

2. The Disciples
- They are tasked by Jesus to find out how many loaves and fish are available. Their role is crucial as they are the ones who will distribute the food to the crowd.

3. The Crowd
- A large group of people who have followed Jesus and are in need of physical sustenance. Their presence highlights the need for a miracle.

4. The Loaves and Fish
- The seemingly insufficient resources that Jesus uses to perform a miracle. They symbolize the small offerings that, when given to God, can be multiplied.

5. The Wilderness
- The setting of this event, which emphasizes the isolation and the need for divine provision, reminiscent of the Israelites' experience in the desert.

Teaching Points

God's Provision in Scarcity
Even when resources seem insufficient, God can provide abundantly. Trust in His ability to multiply what we offer.

Faith in Action
Jesus asks the disciples to "Go and see," prompting them to take action. Our faith should lead us to actively seek and trust God's provision.

The Power of Small Offerings
The loaves and fish were small, yet they fed thousands. God values and uses our small offerings when given in faith.

Dependence on Divine Power
The miracle underscores the importance of relying on God's power rather than our own resources or understanding.

Community and Sharing
The distribution of food to the crowd highlights the importance of community and sharing what we have with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' question, "How many loaves do you have?" challenge us to assess our own resources and trust in God's provision?

2. In what ways does the miracle of feeding the five thousand encourage us to offer our seemingly small gifts to God?

3. How can we apply the principle of "going and seeing" in our daily lives when faced with challenges or needs?

4. What parallels can we draw between this miracle and God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness?

5. How does this passage encourage us to foster a spirit of community and sharing within our own church or community groups?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 6:9
- This passage provides additional details about the loaves and fish, mentioning a boy who had them. It highlights the theme of God using what is available, no matter how small.

2 Kings 4:42-44
- The account of Elisha feeding a hundred men with twenty loaves of barley, which prefigures Jesus' miracle and demonstrates God's power to provide.

Exodus 16
- The provision of manna in the wilderness, which parallels the miraculous feeding and underscores God's ability to provide for His people.