Book of Luke - Chapter 9 - Verse 14
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the five thousand men with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This event is significant because it showcases Jesus' divine power and ability to meet the physical needs of a large crowd. By instructing his disciples to have people sit down in groups of fifty, Jesus demonstrates his organization and care for those he is about to miraculously feed. The act of breaking bread and distributing it amongst the crowd symbolizes Jesus' ability to provide for the needs of many with limited resources. This miracle serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision and his ability to meet our needs beyond what we can imagine.
Theological Overview
One interesting theological interpretation of the verse 'For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.' is the significance of the number five thousand. In biblical numerology, the number five often represents the idea of God's grace or provision. This can be seen in the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, where Jesus miraculously provided an abundance of food for the people who had gathered to hear him speak. The act of organizing the people into groups of fifty also has theological significance, as it demonstrates Jesus' care for order and organization within his ministry. By instructing his disciples to have the people sit in an orderly manner, Jesus sets a precedent for the importance of structure and unity within the body of believers. Overall, this verse not only highlights Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand, but also provides insight into his teachings on grace, provision, and the importance of order in the Christian faith.