The Heretic Mug Collection

Studying: Matthew 13-15
Thoughts: Good

"The disciples said to Him, 'Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd." - Matthew 15:33

Seems like a perfectly reasonable question right? I'll have to admit that if I was out in the desert with 4000+ people and someone asked me to feed them that I might have to raise some logistical objections. But the question asked by Jesus' disciples is quite telling for a number of reasons. Most striking is that they had already seen him miraculously feed 5000+ at an earlier time with twelve baskets left over (Matthew 14-13-21). I'm not sure how much time had passed between the feeding of the 5000+ and this incident here, but it would seem like that kind of story would stick with someone for the rest of their lives. The tales of yore that are told by the elderly to the up and coming generations are proof of that. You'd think that at least one of the disciples would have spoken up and said "Well, you remember a while back where with five loaves and five fish our Lord fed a small town with plenty to spare? I reckon that's where we'll get the food that we need."

What's even more amazing to me though is Jesus' response. Even though I know the story already every time I read this question by the disciples I'm waiting for a response like "Have ye not known, have ye not heard..." but it doesn't come. Instead comes an answer...a demonstration if you will that displays more a character of "For he knows are frame, he is mindful that we are but dust." Jesus doesn't scold them, doesn't belittle them, doesn't even say anything to remind them of the previous event. He simply commands them what to do and demonstrates his power.

Time and time again the Lord demonstrates his faithfulness to his people, and time and time again they forget. Yet the Lord in his mercy keeps being faithful and keeps providing and working and moving. How merciful is our God.