Matthew 14:13-21
“As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:13-14 (p. 745)
- We Are A Part of God’s Solution.
Series Memory Verse: “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:36 (p. 786)
- Like the disciples, be ready to serve.
“That evening the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.’ But Jesus said, ‘That isn’t necessary—you feed them.’” Matthew 14:15-16 (p. 745)
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:40 (p. 756)
- Like the young boy, be willing to give.
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. ‘Bring them here,’ he said.’” Matthew 14:17-18 (p. 745)
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (p. 488)
“‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 (p. 849)
- Above all, trust Jesus to multiply.
“Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!” Matthew 14:19-21 (p. 745)
“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 (p. 886)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will participate in the “One Day to Feed the World.”
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: We Are (I Am) A Part of God’s Solution
Key Verse: “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:36
Bible References: Matthew 14:13-21
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Have you ever felt like you were asked to do something or help with some project that was beyond anything you thought you could possibly do? How did it make you feel?
WEEKEND REVIEW
We Are (I Am) A Part of God’s Solution
- Like the disciples, be ready to serve. – Matthew 14:15-16 (p. 745)
- Like the young boy, be willing to give. – Matthew 14:17-18 (p. 745)
- Above all, trust Jesus to multiply. – Matthew 14:19-21 (p. 745-746)
// Was there anything that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle that is present in all four Gospels. Jesus and His disciples were in an isolated area at the time. News of Jesus reaches the surrounding areas and people come from far and wide to hear Him. He heals the sick and is preaching throughout the day. As the day winds down His disciples ask to send the crowds away so they can get provisions, but Jesus shows compassion and asks everyone to sit for a meal. They knew that the denarii, the money they had available, was not enough to purchase food for the people present. He gives thanks for the five loaves of bread and two fish and passes out food to everyone. It is important to note that the five thousand represents just the men. This means that there were thousands more present when you include the women and children.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Luke 5:31 (p.785). In this passage, Jesus is challenging the Pharisees.
- What is Jesus calling those who follow Him to do?
- As His followers, what is Jesus asking us to do?
// Read Proverbs 3:27 (p.483).
- What causes us to hold back from fully living out what we are called to do?
- How can you use what God has given you to help others?
// Read Romans 12:9-13 (p.866). In Romans 12, we are called as Jesus’ followers to be a “Living Sacrifice to God.”
- What are some ways you can live this out?
- How can we honor others and show them genuine affection?
- Are we to rely on our own efforts when we are serving others?
// Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (p.883). We are told that we can trust in God because of our faith in Jesus.
- How would our attitude about being compassionate change towards others if we believed we could trust in God?
- How can our trust in Jesus help us when we are going out to serve?
- What would you do to help others if you knew you could not fail?
NEXT STEP
____ I will participate in the “One Day to Feed the World” Campaign.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read Colossians 3:12. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be the ‘hands and feet of Jesus’. We need to reflect His character and that means being compassionate. Showing compassion can be challenging in this world. We can get wrapped up in our busy lives, feel fear and apprehension towards others we may not share anything in common with, and other factors that prevent us from being compassionate.
If you haven’t done this before, prayerfully consider those who you feel called to be compassionate towards. These can include friends, family, loved ones, and those you may encounter in your day-to-day activities. How can you show compassion to them? Create a plan to show compassion and love them.