Lucas 9:10-17

3. The feeding of the 5,000 9:10-17 (cf. Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; John 6:1-13)

This is the only miracle that all four Gospel evangelists recorded. It is important because it is the climax of Jesus’ miracles that authenticated His person as divine (cf. Psalms 146:7). [Note: Edersheim, 1:677.] It was perhaps the most forceful demonstration of Jesus’ deity to the disciples. Jesus performed this miracle primarily for their benefit though also out of compassion for the people. Luke recorded no crowd reaction to it. His account contrasts the inadequacy of the disciples with Jesus’ ability to help the crowd. Jesus’ compassion for the people also contrasts with the disciples’ unconcern.