Mark 8:6
And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then He took the seven loaves, gave thanks and broke them, and gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And they distributed them to the crowd.
He instructed the crowd
This phrase highlights Jesus' role as a leader and teacher. The Greek word for "instructed" is "παραγγέλλω" (parangellō), which implies a command or authoritative direction. Jesus' instruction to the crowd reflects His authority and care for the people, ensuring they are prepared to receive the miracle. Historically, this setting is significant as it shows Jesus' compassion and His desire to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of the people.

to sit down on the ground
The act of sitting down is a posture of readiness and receptivity. The Greek word "ἀναπίπτω" (anapiptō) suggests reclining or sitting down, often used in contexts of dining or teaching. This instruction to sit on the ground indicates a humble setting, contrasting with the grandeur of a banquet, yet it is a prelude to a miraculous provision. It reflects the humility and simplicity of Jesus' ministry, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Taking the seven loaves
The number seven in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or perfection. The Greek word "ἑπτά" (hepta) for "seven" suggests a divine completeness in what Jesus is about to do. The loaves, though few, are sufficient in the hands of Jesus. This act of taking the loaves signifies Jesus' willingness to use what is available, no matter how small, to accomplish His purposes.

He gave thanks
The Greek word "εὐχαριστέω" (eucharisteō) is used here, which means to give thanks or to be grateful. This act of thanksgiving before the miracle emphasizes the importance of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. It sets a precedent for believers to always give thanks, recognizing that all provision comes from God.

broke them
Breaking the bread is a significant act, symbolizing the distribution and sharing of resources. The Greek word "κλάω" (klaō) means to break, and it is a precursor to the Last Supper, where Jesus breaks bread as a symbol of His body. This act foreshadows the sacrificial nature of Jesus' ministry, where His body would be broken for the salvation of many.

gave them to His disciples
The act of giving the loaves to His disciples signifies the role of the disciples as intermediaries in Jesus' ministry. The Greek word "δίδωμι" (didōmi) means to give or to bestow. This distribution through the disciples highlights the partnership between Jesus and His followers in ministering to the needs of the people, a model for Christian service.

to distribute to the people
The Greek word "παρατίθημι" (paratithēmi) means to set before or to serve. This act of distribution underscores the communal aspect of the miracle, where the provision is shared among all. It reflects the early Christian community's practice of sharing and caring for one another, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles.

and they did so
This phrase indicates obedience and cooperation from the disciples. The Greek "ποιέω" (poieō) means to do or to make. The disciples' compliance with Jesus' instructions is crucial for the miracle to reach the people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience in the life of a believer, trusting in Jesus' commands even when the outcome is not immediately visible.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who performs the miracle of feeding the multitude. His compassion and divine authority are evident in this act.

2. The Disciples
They are present with Jesus and are involved in distributing the food to the people. Their role highlights their participation in Jesus' ministry and their learning process.

3. The Crowd
A large group of people who have been following Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. They are the recipients of Jesus' compassion and provision.

4. The Miracle of Feeding
This event is a miraculous feeding of a large crowd with a small amount of food, demonstrating Jesus' divine power and provision.

5. The Region
While not explicitly named in this verse, the event takes place in a remote area, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the provision.
Teaching Points
Compassion in Action
Jesus' compassion for the crowd led Him to meet their physical needs. As followers of Christ, we are called to act compassionately towards others, meeting both spiritual and physical needs.

Divine Provision
This miracle demonstrates that God is able to provide abundantly, even in seemingly impossible situations. Trust in God's provision should be a cornerstone of our faith.

Participation in Ministry
The disciples' involvement in distributing the food shows that Jesus invites us to participate in His work. We are called to be active participants in God's mission.

Faith in God's Abundance
The multiplication of the loaves and fish teaches us to have faith in God's ability to multiply our resources when we offer them to Him.

Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Jesus gave thanks before distributing the food, reminding us of the importance of gratitude in our lives, especially when we witness God's provision.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' compassion in Mark 8:6 challenge us to respond to the needs of those around us today?

2. In what ways can we participate in God's work, as the disciples did in this passage?

3. How does the miracle of feeding the multitude encourage us to trust in God's provision in our own lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can express gratitude for God's provision, as Jesus did before distributing the food?

5. How can we apply the lesson of faith in God's abundance to a current situation in our lives or community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 14:13-21
This passage describes a similar miracle, the feeding of the 5,000, highlighting Jesus' compassion and ability to provide abundantly.

John 6:1-14
Another account of the feeding of the 5,000, which emphasizes Jesus as the Bread of Life, connecting physical nourishment to spiritual sustenance.

Exodus 16
The provision of manna in the wilderness for the Israelites, showing God's provision for His people in times of need.

2 Kings 4:42-44
The miracle of Elisha feeding a hundred men with twenty loaves, prefiguring Jesus' miraculous feedings.
A Picture of Man's LifeW. Denton, M. A.Mark 8:1-9
Christ Knows and Supplies Our NeedMark 8:1-9
Divine Law of IncreaseC. M. Southgate.Mark 8:1-9
Faith in Christ Helpful Against HungerJ. A. Seiss, DD.Mark 8:1-9
Feeding the PeopleD. Williams.Mark 8:1-9
Fragment GatherersD. Williams.Mark 8:1-9
God Alone Can SatisfyR. Winterbotham, M. A.Mark 8:1-9
God's Food the Only SatisfactionD. Williams.Mark 8:1-9
Help in ExtremityMark 8:1-9
How Many Loaves have YeC. J. Vaughan, D. D., J. A. Seiss, DD.Mark 8:1-9
Man's Food SupplyR. Winterbotham, M. A.Mark 8:1-9
On the Encouragement Which the Gospel Affords to Active DutyA. Alison, LL. B.Mark 8:1-9
Satisfaction for the Food in the WildernessJ. J. West, M. A.Mark 8:1-9
Scattering Yet IncreasingA. Maclaren, D. D.Mark 8:1-9
Second Miracle of Feeding the MultitudeCanon Ingram.Mark 8:1-9
So They Did Eat, and Were FilledH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 8:1-9
The Conditions of IncreaseA. Maclaren, D. D.Mark 8:1-9
The Multitude FedR. W. Forrest, M. A.Mark 8:1-9
This World a WildernessR. Winterbotham, M. A.Mark 8:1-9
Compassion for the ManyE. Johnson Mark 8:1-10
A Sign from HeavenR. Green Mark 8:1-21
The Feeding of the for ThousandJ.J. Given Mark 8:1-21
People
Elias, Elijah, Herod, Jesus, John, Peter
Places
Bethsaida, Caesarea Philippi, Dalmanutha, Decapolis, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Blessed, Brake, Bread, Broke, Broken, Cakes, Commanded, Commandeth, Crowd, Directed, Disciples, Distribute, Distributed, Giving, Ground, Loaves, Multitude, Passed, Portions, Praise, Proceeded, Seated, Serve, Served, Seven, Sit, Started, Taking, Thanks
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 8:6

     8352   thankfulness
     8609   prayer, as praise and thanksgiving
     8676   thanksgiving

Mark 8:1-9

     1330   God, the provider

Mark 8:1-10

     1416   miracles, nature of
     4418   bread

Mark 8:2-8

     5939   satisfaction

Mark 8:4-6

     5962   surprises

Mark 8:5-8

     4418   bread

Mark 8:6-7

     2360   Christ, prayers of
     5549   speech, positive

Library
The Religious Uses of Memory
'Do ye not remember!'--Mark viii. 18. The disciples had misunderstood our Lord's warning 'against the leaven of the Pharisees,' which they supposed to have been occasioned by their neglect to bring with them bread. Their blunder was like many others which they committed, but it seems to have singularly moved our Lord, who was usually so patient with His slow scholars. The swift rain of questions, like bullets rattling against a cuirass, of which my text is one, shows how much He was moved, if not
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars
'And when Jesus knew It, He saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? 18. Having eyes, see ye not? having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?'--Mark viii. 17,18. How different were the thoughts of Christ and of His disciples, as they sat together in the boat, making their way across the lake! He was pursuing a train of sad reflections which, the moment before their embarkation, had caused Him to sigh
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Gradual Healing of the Blind Man
'And Jesus cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto Him, and besought Him to touch him. 23. And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on his eyes, and put His hands upon Him, He asked him if he saw ought. 24. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25. After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.'--Mark viii. 22-25. This miracle, which is only recorded
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Cross, and Ours
'And Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way He asked His disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? 28. And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. 29. And He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto Him, Thou art the Christ. 30. And He charged them that they should tell no man of Him. 31. And He began to teach them, that the Son of Man must suffer many
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 34, "If any Man Would Come after Me, Let Him Deny Himself," Etc. And on the Words 1
1. Hard and grievous does that appear which the Lord hath enjoined, that "whosoever will come after Him, must deny himself." [3157] But what He enjoineth is not hard or grievous, who aideth us that what He enjoineth may be done. For both is that true which is said to Him in the Psalm, "Because of the words of Thy lips I have kept hard ways." [3158] And that is true which He said Himself, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." [3159] For whatsoever is hard in what is enjoined us, charity makes
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle of the Seven Loaves is Related.
1. In expounding to you the Holy Scriptures, I as it were break bread for you. Do ye in hunger receive it, and break [3135] forth with a fulness of phrase from the heart; and ye who are rich in your banquet, be not meagre in good works and deeds. What I deal out to you is not mine own. What ye eat, I eat; what ye live upon, I live upon. We have in heaven a common store-house; for from thence comes the Word of God. 2. The "seven loaves" [3136] signify the seven-fold operation of the Holy Spirit; the
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Profit and Loss
We shall divide our text, and consider, in the first place, the gain a man would get if he gained the whole world; in the second place, the fearful loss if a man should lose his soul; and then, afterwards, we will try to finish up by some practical lesson. 1. In the first place, WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED IF HE SHOULD GAIN THE WHOLE WORD? Many Christian people, who do not exactly talk common sense, sum this all up by saying, that to gain the whole world is to gain nothing at all. Perhaps they are right,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Measure of Sin.
7th Sunday after Trinity. S. Mark viii. 2. "I have compassion on the multitude." INTRODUCTION.--In to-day's Gospel we see the tender compassion of our Lord for those who came into the wilderness to hear Him. This is only one example out of many of His great love and mercy: and indeed "His mercy is over all His works." "Thou, O Lord," says David, "art full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering and truth." This is a verity of which we are so convinced that it is quite possible we may overlook
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Religious Dangers
(Preached at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall, 1861, for the London Diocesan Board of Education.) St. Mark viii. 4, 5, 8. And the disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? . . . How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. . . . so they did eat and were filled; and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. I think that I can take no better text for the subject on which I am about to preach, than that which the Gospel for this
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity.
How is it that ye do not understand?'--ST. MARK viii. 21. After feeding the four thousand with seven loaves and a few small fishes, on the east side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus, having crossed the lake, was met on the other side by certain Pharisees, whose attitude towards him was such that he betook himself again to the boat, and recrossed the lake. On the way the disciples bethought them that they had in the boat but a single loaf: probably while the Lord was occupied with the Pharisees, one
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Final Controversies in Jerusalem
177. The early Christians were greatly interested in the teachings of Jesus and in his deeds, but they thought oftenest of the victory which by his resurrection he won out of seeming defeat. This is proved by the fact that of the first two gospels over one third, of Luke over one fifth, and of the fourth gospel nearly one half are devoted to the story of the passion and resurrection. This preponderance is not strange in view of the shock which the death of Jesus caused his disciples, and the new
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

Prayer --The All-Important Essence of Earthly Worship
Where the spiritual consciousness is concerned--the department which asks the question and demands the evidence--no evidence is competent or relevant except such as is spiritual. Only that which is above matter and above logic can be heard, because the very question at issue is the existence and personality of a spiritual and supernatural God. Only the Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit. This must be done in a spiritual or supernatural way, or it cannot be done at all.--C.L. Chilton The
Edward M. Bounds—The Reality of Prayer

Eight Easter Lessons Learned at Emmaus. Luke xxiv. 13-35.
I.--When friends speak of good things, Jesus draws near. "These things" which concern Jesus. Even if men speak sorrowfully, if it is of Jesus they speak, He is nigh. If He were the subject of conversation more, His friends would have more of His company. If you are shy of Him, He will be shy of you. II.--Unbelief manufactures sorrow for the godly. Jesus said they looked "sad." It is a pity to employ unbelief; he does not know how to make a smile. When he tries it is a misfit. If the disciples
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

The Second Touch
"After that He put His hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up."--Mark viii. 25. C. P. C. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Lo! a Hand amidst the darkness Clasped mine own-- Led me forth the blind and helpless, Led me forth alone; From the crowd and from the clamour To a silent place; Touched mine eyes--I looked upon Him-- Saw Him face to face. Saw Him, as the dawning swiftly risen O'er the valleys grey; I had passed from midnight of my prison Forth into the day. Lo! again His mighty Hand hath
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Epistle xxiii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Prima Justiniana in Illyricum. It is clearly a manifest evidence of goodness that the consent of all should concur in the election of one person. Since, then, the account which we have received from our brethren and fellow-bishops declared that you are summoned to the position of priesthood by the unanimous consent of the whole council and the will of the most serene Prince, we have rendered thanks with great exultation to Almighty God our Creator, who
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The General Service to a Monk-Martyr.
At the Vespers, for O Lord, I have cried, the Stichera, Tone 6. Similar to: Of three days... Let us, O faithful, in dutifully praising the exploits of the wise abstainer and the pains of the soldier of Christ, cry out unto the Lord: Through his intercessions, O Christ the God, deliver us from every calamity. An abundance of the most noble peace will be given of God unto thee, O holy father (mentioned by name), that hast endured the frightful storm of torments, thou invincible warrior and intercessor
Anonymous—The General Menaion

The Four Thousand
"In those days, when there was again a great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and if I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint in the way; and some of them are come from afar. And His disciples answered Him, Whence shall one be able to fill these men with bread here in a desert place? And He asked them, How many loaves
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Leaven of the Pharisees
"And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with Him, seeking of Him a sign from heaven, tempting Him. And He sighed deeply in His spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. And He left them, and again entering into the boat departed to the other side. And they forgot to take bread; and they had not in the boat with them more than one loaf. And He charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Men as Trees
"And they come unto Bethsaida. And they bring to Him a blind man, and beseech Him to touch him. And He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village; and when He had spit on his eyes, and laid His hands upon him, He asked him, Seest thou aught? And he looked up, and said, I see men; for I behold them as trees, walking. Then again He laid His hands upon his eyes; and he looked stedfastly, and was restored, and saw all things clearly. And He sent him away to his home, saying,
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Confession and the Warning
"And Jesus went forth, and His disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi: and in the way He asked His disciples, saying unto them, Who do men say that I am? And they told Him, saying, John the Baptist: and others, Elijah; but others, One of the prophets. And He asked them, But Who say ye that I am? Peter answereth and saith unto Him, Thou art the Christ. And He charged them that they should tell no man of Him. And He began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

the Rebuke of Peter
"And He spake the saying openly. And Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him.". . . . "But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, 'Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.' And when He had called the people to Him, with His disciples also, He said to them, Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Zealous Protestants
Tuesday, May 3.--I rode to Birr, twenty miles from Atlone and, the key of the session house not being to be found, declared "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" in the street, to a dull, rude, senseless multitude. Many laughed the greater part of the time. Some went away just in the middle of a sentence. And yet when one cried out (a Carmelite friar, clerk to the priest), "You lie! You lie!" the zealous Protestants cried out, "Knock him down"; and it was not sooner said than done. I saw some bustle,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Greatness of the Soul,
AND UNSPEAKABLENESS 0F THE LOSS THEREOF; WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT. FIRST PREACHED AT PINNER'S HALL and now ENLARGED AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. By JOHN BUNYAN, London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682 Faithfully reprinted from the Author's First Edition. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Our curiosity is naturally excited to discover what a poor, unlettered mechanic, whose book-learning had been limited to the contents of one volume, could by possibility know
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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