Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-09-20

There are several things about this
! miracle that are worthy of note. 1t is
the only one recorded by all four
evangelists; it was at the end of the
| second years ministry; it marked the
climax of Jesus popularity, and the
beginning of the decline in popular
favor; and 1T had a most remarkable
effect on the people, the disciples, and
on Jesus Himself
After the twelve returned from their
mission they were overjoyed with the
success that had attended their minis
try. They reported to Jesus with great
joy the number they had healed, and
the devils they had cast out. But Jesus
realized that they were putting undue
emphasis on the material side, and were
in danger Of losing sight of the greater
importance of the spiritual. The sue
cess that had attended their work was
So great, and Jesus was so popular, that
they were crowded with work. So much
so that Jesus proposed that they come
with Him to quiet place and rest a
while.
Taking ship to cross from Capernaum
to the northeast corner of the lake, they
were discovered by some. The word
was quickly passed, and many who
could not secure ship, since all the avail
northern corner of the sea- forded the
small river that fed the lake, and were
on the spot when Jesus and His friends
arrived.
The place was a quiet greensward on
the slope Of the hillside in the depend
ent limits of a small town named Beth
saida. The crowd that had gathered
was enormous-there were 5000 men
beside women and children, and these
would have swelled the number to $500
or 10000 people in all. The inhabitants
Of all the little villages in the neigh
borhood had probably turned out in
large numbers; there we're also many
who were on their way to the pass
over feast at Jerusalem; and among
them were countless ones who were
needy in some way, and had come hop
ing for deliverance at the hands of the
great Teacher and Healer of whom they
had heard.
1t might have irritated the ordinary
man to have had his efforts to rest,
and at retirement. TO be frustrated so;
but upon Jesus this great company or
people had a different effect. He had
compassion on them for they were as
sheep having no shepherd. So He gave
up His plans for a quiet afternoon with
His friends, and spent Himself freely in
His service for them, healing and teach
ing and helping all who came to Him
in need.
A LADS LUNCH.
The day was now far spent the even
ing shadows were beginning to lengthen.
The time for the evening meal was ap-
preaching Jesus Ito test Philips faith
I'm HIMSELF said to Philip (who was of
Bethesaida and who would therefore
know the conditions), Whence are we
to buy bread that these may eat
1t was too much for Philip. Why, he
said, Lord, thirty-three dollars worth of
bread would not give each one of this
company a bite; nor would we be able
to get that much In this village If we
had the money. Evidently then Philip
discussed it with all the disciples; for
they came to Jesus and urged Him to
send them away where they might get
bread. They were .nonplussed when He
told them very ,calmly to get bread
there; for like Philip, they thought this
was not possible. Finally Andrew fell
in the breach Andrew always had
way of being found at the time and place
when he was most needed. The world
needs more men like Andrew; quiet, UNI
assuming, but always ready to step into
an emergency. Finally Andrew said:
Lord there is lad here with a lunch
who is willing to give it to you. He has
five Uneeda biscuits and a couple of
minnows." But even then Andrews faith
began to fail him, for he added, but
what are these among so many
That boy was a great character. He
didn't have much, but what he had he
gave to Jesus to use. There is an in
teresting story called Joel. Boy of