Thank you so very much for this much needed and timely reminder of what our Lord is demanding of us - playing God is always what gets us into trouble, thinking we know what is right and believing that what we want is right rather than obedience to His word and desire for us - thank u so much for this reminder and lesson
The number 5,000 supports the militaristic interpretation of this event. Typical Roman legions had 5,000 soldiers at the time. Jesus had gathered a legion of men and fed them. But he wanted them to be part of a new kind of kingdom, not a national army.
Food really does bring people closer to each other, but for this kind of meal to also bring them closer to God, they'd have to unstuff their ears and put down their knives. Then and now.
Good observation. This relates to Christ turning to the multitude and saying its either Him or nothing, which mirrors God telling Israel its either Him or nothing. Its always a choice and unfortunately many depart and go after idols.
I would really like to use this information for discussion in a men's bible study this week -- but I also really prefer to have some original sources to back things up (so it isn't speculation). You mention that "Josephus tells us that would-be Jewish insurgents used this area (At the foot of the Golan Heights, where Jesus is just sitting) as a mustering site for Passover rebellions" . . . but I cannot find any such passage in Josephus -- I have pored through both the Antiquities and Wars books/chapters from this time period and I can't find anything like this. Could you provide a more direct reference to where you found this in Josephus so that I can look it up for reference. Thanks!
Solid insight. Never looked at the story from this angle. Everything falls into place. Near the end of the chapter, "From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him." No real difference from today. People try to win a spiritual war by physical means.
This was an interesting and eye opening piece.
Thank you, Marcia!
Thank you for this, just what I needed to read this morning. I really appreciate this viewpoint
Thank you, Carla. I really appreciate those kind words!
Thank you so very much for this much needed and timely reminder of what our Lord is demanding of us - playing God is always what gets us into trouble, thinking we know what is right and believing that what we want is right rather than obedience to His word and desire for us - thank u so much for this reminder and lesson
This is fascinating. What is the reference from Josephus that mentions gathering to plan revolts at Passover?
The number 5,000 supports the militaristic interpretation of this event. Typical Roman legions had 5,000 soldiers at the time. Jesus had gathered a legion of men and fed them. But he wanted them to be part of a new kind of kingdom, not a national army.
Food really does bring people closer to each other, but for this kind of meal to also bring them closer to God, they'd have to unstuff their ears and put down their knives. Then and now.
Beautifully taught. Thank you!
Crockpot not crackpot. Very clever!
Good observation. This relates to Christ turning to the multitude and saying its either Him or nothing, which mirrors God telling Israel its either Him or nothing. Its always a choice and unfortunately many depart and go after idols.
I would really like to use this information for discussion in a men's bible study this week -- but I also really prefer to have some original sources to back things up (so it isn't speculation). You mention that "Josephus tells us that would-be Jewish insurgents used this area (At the foot of the Golan Heights, where Jesus is just sitting) as a mustering site for Passover rebellions" . . . but I cannot find any such passage in Josephus -- I have pored through both the Antiquities and Wars books/chapters from this time period and I can't find anything like this. Could you provide a more direct reference to where you found this in Josephus so that I can look it up for reference. Thanks!
You had me at "Kind of like Deadheads..."
Solid insight. Never looked at the story from this angle. Everything falls into place. Near the end of the chapter, "From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him." No real difference from today. People try to win a spiritual war by physical means.
Absolutely beautiful!
This was a really good read. Thank you.
Thank you. I am so grateful I found you and your writings.
Wow! This was so good!!!
You are welcome