Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand and Heals Many
Health Lifestyle Bible Study Program
Terry K. Tremwel, Central Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith, AR
(Matthew 15:29-38)
Jesus was famous. He went out to a remote place and faithful people brought many who were, “…lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.”
In this remote place, people were so anxious to come to Jesus for healing and his Word of God that they neglected to bring enough food. In fact, among the four thousand families, only seven loaves could be found with a few small fish. But Jesus said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” Then Jesus blessed the food and there was so much left over that seven baskets of pieces were collected.
So we see a Jesus who was compassionate about healing infirmity and feeding a crowd. He did not personally hand out the food, but he had his disciples do it. As disciples of Christ, we are called to be his servants in doing good in community with those around us.
- Was there any infirmity that Jesus would not heal?
- Why did Jesus depend on his disciples to serve the people?
- Why was Jesus concerned that the four thousand families should eat well?
- Common sense tells us that people who do not have good nutrition may, “collapse on the way.” Is not the same true of healthy exercise?
Further discussion: Do we actually see healing today? What if there is permanent damage to a person’s heart or brain? Can this be healed today? No it cannot. A damaged heart muscle can only be replaced—and then only because another dies and donates their heart. A damaged brain does not grow back. Rehabilitation can only retrain another part of the brain to take on a function that it could not do before. There are limits. How can we best serve those around us? Are prevention and healthy living and vigilant testing and the correct medicines the best ways Christians today can express the compassion that Christ had towards people? If we help to improve the health of our small Bible study and prayer group and maybe even the health of our congregation, are we acting like the early disciples? Would this be a good reason to invite others to join our group and our congregation? Is there a better expression of love?
Action: If our house is in order, we as a group observe good nutrition, exercise, blood pressure and diabetes checks, and take prescribed medications. It would be a loving act to invite others to either join our group or form a new group, as our group reaches about ten people. Groups of 6 to 12 would work best for accountability and sharing. Our faith calls us to share and invite people to partake of the meal that Christ offers us in Holy Communion, which has the same root as community. Communion has meaning in community. A congregation is one expression of the faith community of Christianity. Our small group is a more intimate expression of this faith community.
