Feeding the 5000

Christ meets human need. That should not surprise us for he is Creator and Redeemer. He involves his people in that. Like the disciples, they sometimes focus on their inability instead of his ability. They ask: will people take advantage of us? Yes, just like Jesus. They ask: will helping others for Christ's sake not impoverish us? No; quite the opposite - see 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Jesus complained that the crowd had missed the point - the miracle was a sign of what he could do for their souls. Instead of showing confidence in him they asked for further evidence of who he was - how common! and unbelief will always prevent access to his blessing. He showed his superiority to their idol Moses. He spoke of his death as life-giving. He showed that no effort is required to obtain eternal life, only faith in him.