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Jesus is teaching his disciples. He does this via his own example, his teaching, and in this passage, through a practical lesson.
As you begin to look into this passage, it’s important to see the context. Jesus is seeking to find a solitary place to pray and reflect after hearing about the death of John the Baptist. On his way to a personal retreat, a crowd follows him. Filled with compassion, Jesus stops and teaches them. Contrast this with the disciples, who towards the end of the day are growing weary and asks Jesus to send the crowd off so that they can eat. Jesus tells the disciples to feed them.
In music there’s a form of song called Call and Response. Where the leader makes a call, and the congregation responds with an echo. We are seeing the same thing here with Jesus. He, looking for rest, has compassion on the crowd and teaches them. He gives them spiritual food. The disciples, weary from the day, sees the crowd and wants to send them away. But Jesus is trying to teach the disciples to do as He does. To be filled with compassion and to discover what the power and authority of Christ means in their own lives.
Well the disciples, even with their lack of faith, witness the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 (with baskets to spare). And at the end of the day, Jesus then sends the disciples away.
The disciples head off out to sea, separated from their teacher – not sent, as much as they were dismissed. And this is where today’s study picks up.
Keep in mind that Jesus is the teacher, and you are the disciples.