Since Jesus doesn't make mistakes, who were these baskets for? one for each of the disciples? one for each of the days of the week? what is the meaning here?
2007-01-30 16:38:13 · 13 answers · asked by J.P. 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
These are probably details that misdirect from the point that all were fed with overflow to spare - sounds like God's love.
2007-01-30 16:42:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Catering with precise quantities is always tricky.
Seriously, I think it demonstrates that God will continue to provide for us. There will be more than we need. If I had to guess at the 7 and 12 I'd say it shows we have some for every day of the week, every month of the year.
I found one site that says:
They had located 5 barley loaves and 2 fish, only enough for one or two. When Jesus took what they had and gave thanks for it, it became more than enough to feed the entire crowd. 12 baskets full of pieces were left over, more than they had started with.
The feeding of the 5000 turns out to be as important symbolically as is it is factually. As is frequently the case the numbers given in these accounts are spiritually significant. (I encourage you to undertake a study of the Biblical use of numbers, "Number in Scripture" a book by E.W. Bullinger being a good reference to help get you started.) When the number 5 is used you'll often find that it's within the context of a manifestation of the Grace of God, and 2 is the number of witness (Deut. 19:15). 12 is the number of government and often refers to Israel as well. Add to these the fact that Jesus identified Himself as the Bread of Life given for us (John 6:35), and that the fish became the symbol for believers in His Word, a name also used of Him (John 1:1), and the hidden message begins to emerge.
With these insights, we can see the message Jesus was sending: "By the Grace of God you'll be spiritually fed as the Bread of Life gives Himself to you. The witness of His Word will sustain you and enough of the Bread of Life will be given for all the House of Israel." Jesus likened this miracle to the giving of the manna in the wilderness, indicating that it was a foreshadowing of Him (John 6:25-40).
Let's See You Do That Again
By the way, on another occasion Jesus miraculously fed 4000 men plus women and children (Matt 15:29-31, Mark 8:1-10). There they found 7 loaves and a few small fish among the crowd. Again Jesus made it sufficient for all and there were 7 baskets full left over. Four is the number of the Earth (on day 4 the land and sea were separated) and 7 denotes divine completion, for on the 7th day the creation was finished and God rested from all His work. Here the symbolism denotes that Jesus was giving Himself to all the Earth and there is plenty for everyone's spiritual hunger to be completely satisfied. Many scholars see this miracle being Gentile in focus while the feeding of 5000 is aimed at Israel.
http://www.gracethrufaith.com/childrens-stories/feeding-the-5000
2007-01-31 00:54:08 · answer #2 · answered by World Traveler 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beware the leaven of the Pharisees. Mark 8:15-21 Christ was warning about the teaching of the religious community. Wherever the Bread is broken you will find crumbs.
2007-01-31 00:53:21 · answer #3 · answered by David P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
7 + 12 = 19, 9 + 1 = 10, 1 + 0 = 1. God is 1, or so a kabalist will think.
2007-01-31 00:48:31 · answer #4 · answered by Aadel 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't believe in biblical numerology. It's just another form of fortune telling. Which Christians have no business being involved in.
Some theologians think that the people were moved by those who shared their loaves and fishes and food just started appearing all throughout the crowd(in other words they were ashamed that they were not sharing too so they started sharing) I think this is a cooler miracle than just out and out multiplication of the food. because it opened minds and hearts.
2007-01-31 00:43:43 · answer #5 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't know. If the bible doesn't say....what we would come up with would be conjecture.
By the way, I don't mean this in a critical way..okay? But the things that ARE explained in the bible.....are the things God wants us to concentrate on.
2007-01-31 01:04:13 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this one link will take you to the homepage, and explain things in different ways .....food for the days to come > 7 and 12 are also used alot in the bible, you have to research it, nobody can give you all the information they have researched so many years over..or I certainly would.
2007-01-31 00:48:39 · answer #7 · answered by Kathy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I juat read that today and pondered myself on what was the meaning of the numbers..........
12 diciples
12 tribes of Israel
7 is the 'perfect" number
2007-01-31 01:00:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it was any specific meaning. It's just how much stuff there was left over. If the Bible recorded Jesus drinking a glass of water, people would be debating what kind of water it was...
.
2007-01-31 00:41:33 · answer #9 · answered by cirque de lune 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it was not a mistake, silly.
it was to show His awesome power as God; to feed thousands with a few loaves of bread and a few fishes and still have more food left over than He started with.
try that yourself sometime.....
God sure is awesome and great!!!
2007-01-31 00:44:23 · answer #10 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋