Saturday, February 14 Give them something to eat.​—Matt. 14:16.

[Helen Highwater]

Saturday, February 14

Give them something to eat.—Matt. 14:16.

 

Jesus’ request to feed the crowd was a problem because there were about 5,000 men. And including women and children, there may have been 15,000 people to feed. (Matt. 14:21) Andrew spoke up: “Here is a little boy who has five barley loaves and two small fish. But what are these among so many?” (John 6:9) Barley loaves were commonly eaten by the poor and others, and the small fish may have been salted and dried. Still, the amount that the boy had would not be enough to feed so many—or would it? Wanting to be hospitable to the crowd, Jesus directed the people to recline in groups on the grass. (Mark 6:39, 40; John 6:11-13) We read that Jesus gave thanks to his Father for the bread and the fish. It was entirely fitting to thank God, who in reality was the Source of the food. What a good reminder for us to follow Jesus’ example by praying before a meal. Jesus then had the food distributed, and the people ate and were satisfied. w24.12 2-3 ¶3-4