Note: This series is written as a first-person narrative in order to present Jesus in the context he walked with the unknown disciple that narrates presenting my thoughts and sparking more thoughts with his questions. Enjoy.
During those days while we were in the Decapolis across the Jordan, Jesus’s presence drew another large crowd.
Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called us to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.”
Thomas asked, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?”
“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.
Matthew counted it up in his head.
“Seven,” he replied.
Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground.
Peter brought the bread to him, and Jesus took the seven loaves and gave thanks, he broke them and gave them to us to distribute to the people.
Someone brought some small fish as well. Jesus gave thanks for them also and told us to distribute them.
The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward, we picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. It wasn’t that long ago we did this in Israel.
About four thousand were present. After Jesus had sent them away, he got into the boat with us and we went to the region of Dalmanutha.
There’s something to be learned here about Jesus’ willingness to care for these Gentile pagans and backsliding Jews in the Decapolis. Maybe my heart should be that warm as well?
Mark 8:1-10
Matthew 15:32-39
A Ronin's Journey 