Mark 8:6-10
Mark 8:6 (KJB)
And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven
loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before
them; and they did set them before the people.
First the disciples had given Jesus what they had and when they did, Jesus
commanded the multitude to sit on the ground. He thanked His heavenly Father and
then broke the loaves and when He did, He gave them to His disciples who in turn
distributed to the people. I am sure they were probably all mingling with each
other and discussing the day's events. Now was the time to eat so a measure of
order was needed. In the other account they were told to sit on the grass but
here the grass is absent as it may have not been the season for it. So it does
not matter the situation, easy or rough, Jesus will minister in both.
Mark 8:7 (KJB)
And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also
before them.
Just as He did in the other feeding, He thanked His heavenly Father and then
took the seven fishes and when He did, He gave them to His disciples who in turn
had distributed them to the people. This is how the Gospel is dispensed. Jesus
feeds His children spiritual truth through the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit
gives us understanding, and then we go out to the world and give the Gospel out
to others. Jesus had offered thanks to the heavenly Father twice and this was in
Gentile territory. He was telling the people that their provision for life comes
from the true Heavenly Father and not some pagan idol.
Mark 8:8 (KJB)
So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was
left seven baskets.
Each of these feedings showed Jesus as the bread of life and that there will
always be enough spiritual food to feed every Christian in the world, and they
will always have enough to feed others. These baskets were big enough to put a
human being in there. (Acts 9:25 KJV) Then the disciples took him by night,
and let him down by the wall in a basket. The word for basket in Acts 9:25
is the same word used in Matthew 15:37 and here. If you notice the order of the
two feedings, the first one was to the Jews and this one was to the Gentiles. It
gives a picture of how the Gospel will be going forth. To the Jew first and then
to the Gentiles all over the world. Four is also the number of universality.
Mark 8:9 (KJB)
And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
After Jesus had completed His ministry in Galilee He fed the 5,000 and here as
He ends His ministry in the Decapolis area, he feeds 4,000. Once again we are
given the figures of how many have eaten. The four thousand men, along with
women and children probably had well over 10,000 fed on this feeding also. A
tremendous number when you realize all they had was seven loaves and a few fish.
This also teaches us that a small gift for the Kingdom of God can be used in a
mighty way when placed in the hands of Jesus. If we make a small salary, we
should never be ashamed of giving a small gift according to what we make.
Mark 8:10 (KJB)
And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the
parts of Dalmanutha.
(Mat 15:39 KJV) And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into
the coasts of Magdala. Then after the feeding was over, Jesus then
dismissed the multitude. It is not said what happened to the baskets but maybe
they went with the people who had the longest distance to travel. Jesus then
took a ship to the coast city of Magdala. Magdala was on the western shore of
the Sea of Galilee. It appears that Magdala and Dalmanutha are the same areas
but just known by different names.