And Were Satisfied

Luke 9:14-17 (ESV)

14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

God is providing a new “manna” from the hands of the bread of life. Heaven has drawn near and in the flesh of Jesus. Five is the number for grace in Scripture. Two are required to confirm a testimony of witness. Fifty represents the number for grace multiplied by ten, which is a number of perfection. 

The disciples bring the bread to the crowd, giving witness to the grace and gift of God. The crowd is filled and satisfied. There is more than enough left over for the disciples.