Return the crowd or feed him ?

"Jesus saw a great multitude ; He was moved with compassion towards them, because they were like sheep that have no shepherd ; And he began to teach them many things. As the hour was already well advanced, his disciples came to him and said to him : The place is deserted, and the hour is already well advanced ; Send them away, that they may go into the fields and villages round about, and that they may buy themselves something to eat. And he said unto them, Ye give them to eat." Mark 6: 34-36

Jesus and his disciples plan to go aside to rest, no doubt on the eastern shore of Lake Galilee. But the crowd is ahead of them; what to do ? Moved by their spiritual needs, the Lord forgets the planned rest and teaches them at length.

The poor of the people listened attentively until late in the day. Believing that they are wise and realistic, the disciples propose to Jesus to send them away so that they may seek nourishment, for it seems impossible for them to "buy food for all this people" (v. 13) . Two logics are therefore opposed; That of the disciples : to send these people to leave them the responsibility of feeding themselves; That of Jesus: to feed them.

Returning the crowd (the solution of the disciples) is common sense. It is indeed impossible for the disciples to find and transport enough food for the crowd before the end of the day. Jesus seems to admit it, but he commits them to feel responsible : "You, give them to eat". He gives them the opportunity by multiplying the few available loaves. "For men this is impossible, but not for God ; For all things are possible for God" (Matt 19:26). The fact that there remain "twelve baskets" shows that God gives in abundance : "But God, who is rich in mercy ... even though we were dead in our sins, has made us alive together with Christ ... to show ... the immense Riches of his grace" (Ephesians 2: 4-7).

We will have to feed the crowds not of bread coming from the earth, but of "Jesus, the bread of life ... coming down from heaven" (John 6: 33-35). Give them food !

Source (To pleasing the Lord)