Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30–44) — A Sermon by R.C. Sproul

Summary

The script discusses a sermon on the Gospel of Mark, specifically the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. It contrasts this miracle with Herod's feast, highlighting Jesus' compassion and the miraculous provision of food. The sermon criticizes historical liberal interpretations that dismiss miracles, emphasizing the importance of faith in divine intervention. It also draws parallels with Old Testament miracles and underscores the role of pastors in feeding their congregation spiritually. The sermon concludes with a focus on Jesus' compassion and the foreshadowing of the Last Supper, emphasizing that Jesus satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger.

Takeaways

• 📖 The lesson focuses on Mark's version of the feeding of the five thousand, found in Mark 6:30-44.
• 🙌 The apostles gathered with Jesus, sharing what they had done and taught.
• ⛵ Jesus and the apostles tried to find a deserted place for rest, but the multitude followed them.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Jesus was moved with compassion for the people, comparing them to sheep without a shepherd.
• 🍞 Jesus instructed his disciples to feed the multitude, leading to the miracle of multiplying five loaves and two fish.
• 🙏 The feeding miracle not only met the physical needs of the people but also emphasized the importance of spiritual nourishment.
• 💭 The sermon contrasts the feasts of Herod and Jesus, highlighting the differences in their nature and purpose.
• 📚 The historical-critical approach to scripture often denies supernatural events, seeking natural explanations.
• 🗣️ Jesus' teaching and compassion are central to his ministry, providing guidance and care for his followers.
• 🤲 The feeding of the five thousand prefigures the Last Supper, symbolizing Jesus as the bread of life who satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger.

Q & A

What biblical event is being discussed in this transcript?

The transcript discusses the feeding of the five thousand, as described in Mark 6:30-44.

What did Jesus ask his disciples to do after they returned from their missionary journey?

Jesus asked his disciples to come aside by themselves to a deserted place and rest for a while.

How did Jesus feel when he saw the multitude following him and his disciples?

Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitude because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

What did the disciples suggest Jesus do with the multitude as the day grew late?

The disciples suggested that Jesus send the multitude away so they could go into the surrounding country and villages to buy themselves bread.

How did Jesus respond to the disciples' suggestion to send the people away?

Jesus told the disciples, 'You give them something to eat.'

What were the disciples' initial reaction to Jesus' instruction to feed the multitude?

The disciples were flabbergasted and questioned how they could feed the multitude, noting that it would take 200 denarii worth of bread.

What did Jesus ask the disciples to find out before performing the miracle?

Jesus asked the disciples to find out how many loaves and fish they had.

What did Jesus do with the loaves and fish before distributing them?

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to distribute.

What was the result of Jesus blessing the loaves and fish?

All the people ate and were filled, and the disciples collected twelve baskets full of fragments and fish.

How does the transcript contrast the feast hosted by Herod with the one hosted by Jesus?

The transcript contrasts Herod's feast, which was exclusive to nobles and involved gourmet food and entertainment, with Jesus' feast, which was for the common people, featured simple food provided by Jesus, and included teaching and compassion.

What theological school does the speaker criticize in the transcript?

The speaker criticizes the religious historical school, also known as historical liberalism, for its anti-supernatural stance and naturalistic interpretations of biblical miracles.

What is the primary duty of a pastor according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, the primary duty of a pastor is to preach and teach, feeding the congregation with the Word of God.

What Old Testament event does the feeding of the five thousand parallel according to the speaker?

The speaker parallels the feeding of the five thousand with the provision of manna to the Israelites in the wilderness during their exodus from Egypt.

What is the significance of the feeding of the five thousand in the context of Jesus' ministry?

The feeding of the five thousand demonstrates Jesus' compassion and divine provision, foreshadowing the Last Supper and symbolizing the spiritual nourishment he provides to his followers.