The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1905-02-23
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL LESSON COMMENTS
FOR FEBRUARY 26.

Subject: The Miracle of the L0aveR and
Fishes, John vi. 1-14-Golden Text
John VII, 51-MeInory Verses, II, r.
Commentary on the Days Lesson.
I. The gathering multitude Tvs. l4). /.
"After these things" The events of the
second year, but particularly the report of
the twelve, the murder of John, and the
report that Herod was inquiring for him.
The twelve apostles who had been sent out
over Galilee were preaching and. healing
the sick, when, suddenly, like a flash from
a lar distant cloud, came the news that
John the Baptist had been beheaded by
Herod Antipas in Macherus castle. The
disciples fastened to Jesus, probably at
Capernaum, as chickens hasten to their
mother when the hawk hovers near. Cover
the sea-" From Capernaum, where the
apostles met Jesus on their return, by
boat, privately, to escape the crowds
MARX 6:3l, 81. They all retired across
the sea of GaliIee to the lonely plain at the
foot of the hills near Bethsaida, just out
eide of the dominions of Herod AntipaS
Theya needed this retirement % for physl-
cal rest, ~ for instruction. (3) for COM
munion with God. 2. Multitude fol-
lowed" The people came from all direc-
tions, for at this time the western and
northern shores were %populous with cities
and villages. The preaching of the apostles
had stirred the whole country.
3. GA mountain" The high ground
near near BE Beth tSd a., whis ss there cl2Ggeiy APP
pies" Read Mark 6:3O-s2. Here they
could rest and report. 4. 'The passover"
But because of the reason mentioned in
chapter 7: l Jesus did not attend. This
was His third Passover, a year before His
death. "'Feast of the Jews" This was
stated for the benefit of Johns Gentle
Minor, among Roman customs. "Was
nigh" The fact that the Passover was
nigh at hand, so that many must nave been
starting OIL their journey to Jerusalem
around the lake and through Perea, partly
accounts for the concourse of such multi
tudes.
II. Jesus confers with His disciples Tvs.
5-9l. S. Lifted up His eyes" This was
in the afternoon, toward evening, when
the day began to wear away" luke 9:l2).
The Jews had two evenings; the first be-
gan at 8 o'clock, the second at 6 o'clock.
and walked among the people,
teaching them many, things and healing
their sick. His disciples called His atten-
ton to the fact that this was a desert
place, and as the multitude had been there
since morning, it was time to dismiss the
congregation so the people could go and
buy victuals, lest they faint by the way
Matt. 14:14, 15). "He saith unto Philip"
He was probably the provider for the disci-
pies, as Judas was the treasurer. whence
are we to buy bread" (R. W Christ had
fed their souls and healed their bodies,
and now He proposes to feed their bodies,
and thus show that He is able to provide
for all their necessities. 6. '"To prove
Philip had known Jesus for more
than two years, and it was time that he,
and the rest of the apostles, should begin
to have wide conceptions of Christs abil-
ity. "knew what he would do" Christ
proposed the question to test Philips faith.
SEphiEn onSworoH - =0nr Lord Soyu
that His apostles needed lessons in faith,
and this miracle was as much for their
benefit as for the benefit of the hungry
multitude. 1.-TWO hundred pennyworth."
The penny was a silver coin and was worth
about sixteen cents. The value of the
1872. Jesus said, GIVE We them to eat"
the apostles then asked in dis
may, Shall we go and buy this great
of bread? Jesus asked now much
they had Mark, and Andrew said, Five
and two small fishes.
of their temporal necessities, so
anxious were they to see and hear Jesus,
this lad. "who had charge of the pro-
of the company to which he be-
had all that could be found.
'Loaves-fshes." The loaves were round,
heir poorest food. The fish were small,
Tried or picked, and were eaten with
bread, like our sardines.
III. The multitude fed Tvs. 10, 11l. 10.
Make the men sit" In orderly ranks for
he convenient distribution of the food.
says they sat by hundreds and
The men alone were arranged in
companies and numbered, while the wom-
m and children were served separately, as
Oriental custom required. "Much grass"
The grass was ready for moving at this
of the year. about five thousand"
Besides women and children Matt. 14:2l).
must have been 10000 persons to
eed. Jesus had arranged them so they
could easily be counted.
II. "Jesus took the ~loaves." Thus act
ng like the master of a family among the
Jews, who took the bread into his hands
% give thanks to God before any at the
able were permitted to eat. Jesus had
me loaf for a thousand men, besides the
women and children. We may nave but
Jesus He will multiply it a thousand.
old and pass it back to US, and grant us
he privilege of passing it out to the starv-
~sin-burdened multitudes. "Given
Jesus thus sets us an example;
We should never eat without first thank
upon it. distributed to the dis
There has been much discussion
IS to just how the miracle was performed.
There is no doubt but that the food multi
lied all along the line. Jesus handed out
o His disciples; it increased in their
lands as they handed out to the multitude
nd as it was passed from one to another
bread and fish continued to swell in
heir hands until they all had enough and
o spare.
". The fragments gathered up Tvs. Il,
81. II. "When-flled." Here is one
of our Lord attested by at least
OOO, probably lO,OoOll persons. No one
s able to satisfy every demand of soul and
,ody. He is the bread of life. Whether
We demand 'little or much" it is an easy
for Christ to fill us. There is O
illness in His mercy and love that only
hose who eat can understand. "Frag-
ETha hrokan nioooS which romain