context

The Feeding of the 5000 is a powerful miracle story that on many levels can stand alone as it does in the lectionary this week. But with a little context it becomes even more powerful. Jesus withdraws to a deserted place (NIV reads "lonely" which I like) after he 1) is rejected in his hometown and 2) learns of the death of his cousin John the Baptist. This deserted, lonely place is physical; a piece of land that is between towns and inhabited by no one. This deserted, lonely place is emotional; he is no longer a Nazarene and lost the one who could understand his situation the best. This deserted, lonely place is spiritual; why would God allow this series of events to happen (the proverbial and perhaps quintessential "why do bad things happen to good people?")

And yet, despite how deserted, how lonely, how dark this place is in which Jesus finds himself (and places himself), he is still full of compassion. He musters the strength to heal, to comfort, and to multiply several of loaves and a couple of fish into enough food for 5000 men + women and children.

This could be read as an example for us, we too should always be looking to be compassionate even in our deserted places, but I don't think God necessarily expects that. I think it is better read as another example of just how much God loves his creation. In the midst of the most painful place Jesus found himself, short of the cross that is, he was still reaching out in love and mercy. That is how much God cares. That is where we see Jesus as fully God and fully man.