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The miracles of Jesus were:

(1)  public;

(2)  beneficent.

I. THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE MIRACLE.

1. When was it wrought? In "the evening." The evening of a day that had been well spent.

2. Where was it performed? In "a desert place." The miracle as to time and place encourages our confidence in Christ in the most trying and destitute situations.

3. What was the order of its performance.

(1)  Christ's tenderness to the people — "They need not depart."

(2)  The all-sufficiency which He possessed in Himself.

(3)  The plainness of their provision, as well as the scantiness of the supply.

(4)  However little you have bring it to Jesus, and He will make it more.

(5)  His devotion — "looking up to heaven."

(6)  Our Lord employed the disciples as the dispensers of His bounty.

(7)  A lesson of frugality — "They took up the fragments."

II. REFLECTIONS.

1. In this provision see an emblem of Jesus Christ. He is the true Bread.

2. In the distribution of this provision learn the office and work of Christian ministers.

3. In the apparent deficiency of this provision we are reminded of the treatment of the Saviour and His gospel by an unbelieving world. "Five loaves and two fishes" appeared nothing to the supply of such an assembly.

4. In the real sufficiency of this provision we are instructed in the glorious ability of Christ to complete the happiness of all that believe. The multitude " did all eat and were filled."

(T. Kidd.)

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KJV: And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

WEB: When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, "This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food."