SERMONS
Many topics and themes can be extrapolated from the “Feeding of the Five Thousand”, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 14. There are several metaphorical and theological ideas hidden within this well-known miracle of Jesus Christ. But here I want to demonstrate how the compassion of Christ led him to be hospitable to those that were following His ministry.
When heading out on any sort of trip, from the small trip to the grocery store to the bigger trips to another city or even camping, we generally tend to do some sort of planning. Before leaving the house, we generally think ahead, particularly if there are kids involved. Rarely do we just get up and walk out of the house. The amount of planning is usually related to how long we will be gone. Even a child threatening to run away from home packs a bag.
The Psalmist David writes “Not to us, but your name be the glory.” (Psalm 115:1) David is saying with boldness and a contrite heart that whatever we do or say, that is, in word or in deed, the glory should be given to God. Saying phrases like, “glory to God,” “praise God,” “thank God” have become a Christian “fad.” These phrases have become a type of “lip service” to God.
Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to the crowd about how we treat others who are in need. For example, in Matthew 25:35, Jesus speaks about physical hunger and thirst, in regard to our concern for people who are in that condition. If we care about such people, we are fulfilling the command of our Lord to “love our neighbor.” (Mark 12:31)
