Compassion and Responsibility (Matthew 14:13-21)

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick" (Mt 14:14). "You give them something to eat" (Mt 14:16).

1.   What events immediately precede this miracle (Mt 14:8-12)?

• What might Jesus have felt (Isa 53:3)?
• How did he respond (Mt 14:13-14)?
• What does this show about him (Mt 9:36; 15:32)?
• Do you serve others when you’re hurting?
• How does the God of the Bible differ from the "gods" of other religions?
• Do you have more compassion for God or for people (specifically or in general)?

2.   What challenges do the disciples point out (Mt 14:15)?

• 
  Why does he command them to feed them (Mt 14:16)? Can you?
• What does this teach you (Mk 11:22; Jn 14:1)?
• Who is Jesus (Jn 6:35; Isa 25:6; Ps 107:9; 23:1ff Phil 4:19)?

3.   What small resources do the disciples have (Mt 14:17)?

• What “loaves and fish” can you bring to Jesus? What if you do?
• In what practical ways can you participate in God’s work of meeting needs today?

4.   What instructions did Jesus give his disciples and the crowd (Mt 14:18-19a)?

•  What did he do first (Mt 14:19b)?
• What might you learn here about serving God (1 Th 5:17; Lk 18:1)?

5.   What are the results of the miracle (Mt 14:20-21)?

• Is the number of baskets and total people fed significant?
  
• What does the abundance of leftovers suggest about God’s provision?
• Are there parallels with other biblical events (2 Ki 4:42-44)?
• Have you experienced God’s abundant provision beyond what seemed possible?

** Is there an area of need--in your life, family, church, community--where God might use you (with what little you have)?