Matthew 14:15

When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."

Study Bible

When evening came
The phrase "when evening came" indicates the transition from day to night, a time often associated with rest and reflection in biblical times. In the Jewish context, evening marked the beginning of a new day, as days were reckoned from sunset to sunset. This setting underscores the urgency of the disciples' request, as the natural light was fading, and the need for sustenance became more pressing. The Greek word for evening, "opsios," suggests a time of winding down, yet in this narrative, it becomes a prelude to a miraculous event, highlighting that God's work transcends human schedules.

the disciples came to Him
The disciples approaching Jesus signifies their dependence on Him for guidance and solutions. In the Greek, "mathetai" refers to learners or followers, emphasizing their role as students seeking wisdom from their Teacher. This action reflects a pattern of discipleship where followers bring their concerns to Christ, acknowledging His authority and ability to address their needs. It is a reminder for believers to turn to Jesus in times of uncertainty and to trust in His provision.

and said
The act of speaking to Jesus demonstrates the open communication between the disciples and their Master. The Greek word "eipan" is used here, indicating a direct and earnest appeal. This interaction models the importance of prayer and dialogue with God, encouraging believers to express their concerns and seek divine intervention in their lives.

This is a desolate place
The description of the location as "a desolate place" highlights the isolation and lack of resources available to the crowd. The Greek term "eremos" conveys a sense of wilderness or solitude, often used in Scripture to depict places of testing or divine encounter. This setting serves as a backdrop for the forthcoming miracle, illustrating that God's provision often comes in the most unlikely and barren circumstances, reinforcing the theme of reliance on divine rather than human resources.

and the hour is already late
The acknowledgment that "the hour is already late" emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The Greek word "hora" refers to a specific time, suggesting that the opportunity for action was diminishing. This phrase underscores the disciples' concern for the practical needs of the people, yet it also sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate that God's timing is perfect, and His ability to provide is not constrained by human limitations.

Dismiss the crowds
The disciples' suggestion to "dismiss the crowds" reflects their practical approach to the problem at hand. The Greek word "apoluo" means to release or send away, indicating their desire to allow the people to seek sustenance elsewhere. This request reveals a common human tendency to rely on conventional solutions, yet it also contrasts with Jesus' forthcoming response, which challenges the disciples to think beyond the ordinary and trust in His supernatural provision.

so they can go to the villages
The mention of "the villages" implies nearby settlements where food might be procured. This reflects the disciples' concern for the well-being of the crowd, as well as their understanding of the logistical challenges of feeding such a large group in a remote area. The Greek "komas" refers to small towns or hamlets, suggesting that the disciples were considering practical, human solutions to the problem, unaware of the miraculous provision that Jesus was about to demonstrate.

and buy themselves some food
The suggestion for the crowd to "buy themselves some food" highlights the disciples' focus on self-sufficiency and the economic aspect of obtaining sustenance. The Greek word "agorasosin" implies a transaction or purchase, reflecting a reliance on material means. This perspective is soon to be transformed by Jesus' miraculous feeding, which illustrates the abundance of God's grace and provision, reminding believers that in Christ, our needs are met beyond what we can purchase or provide for ourselves.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
- Central figure in the passage, performing miracles and teaching the crowds.

2. The Disciples
- Followers of Jesus who are concerned about the practical needs of the crowd.

3. The Crowds
- Large groups of people who have followed Jesus to a remote location to hear His teachings and witness His miracles.

4. Desolate Place
- A remote area where Jesus and the crowd have gathered, emphasizing the lack of resources and the need for divine intervention.

5. Evening
- The time of day, indicating urgency as the day is ending and the need for food becomes pressing.

Teaching Points

Compassion Over Convenience
Jesus' response to the disciples' suggestion to send the crowd away teaches us to prioritize compassion over convenience. We are called to serve others even when it is not easy or convenient.

Trust in Divine Provision
The disciples' concern about the lack of food reflects a common human tendency to focus on limitations. This passage encourages believers to trust in God's ability to provide beyond our understanding.

Active Participation in God's Work
Jesus involves the disciples in the miracle, teaching us that God often invites us to participate in His work, using what we have, no matter how small it seems.

Faith in Action
The disciples' initial reaction is practical, but Jesus challenges them to act in faith. This encourages us to step out in faith, trusting God to meet needs in unexpected ways.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' response to the disciples' suggestion to send the crowd away challenge our approach to serving others in need?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of divine provision in our own lives when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges?

3. How does the setting of a "desolate place" enhance our understanding of God's ability to provide for us in our own "desolate" situations?

4. What can we learn from the disciples' involvement in the miracle about our role in God's work today?

5. How does this passage encourage us to balance practical concerns with faith in God's supernatural provision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
This parallel account provides additional details about the miracle, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and divine provision.

Exodus 16
The provision of manna in the wilderness is a foreshadowing of Jesus' miraculous feeding, highlighting God's ability to provide for His people in desolate places.

Psalm 23:1
The Lord as Shepherd, providing for the needs of His flock, connects to Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd who cares for His followers.