Empathic Jesus
Matthew and Luke record the feeding of the 5000 as happening, by the testimony of the disciples, in a remote place (NIV), which is translated from the Greek word eremos (which is in another form), which can also be translated desert or wilderness. While overtones of the exodus and God’s provision of manna and quail are present (cf. Tim Branscombe and Joel Green), what is also present is the temptation of Jesus, which both Matthew and Luke record as happening in the eremos. Interestingly, during Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, he refuses to satisfy his hunger; however, in the wilderness with the 5000, God provides food. Could it be that Jesus’ own experience of hunger, which obviously surpassed the crowd, since he hadn’t eaten for 40 days, raised his ability to identify with the hungry who surrounded him in the same place?
posted by Aaron Perry at
9:27 AM
2 Comments:
I think that connection is neat but it's a stretch to make it THE reason Jesus identified with them
You could also argue Jesus didn't empathize at all since it was the disciples who finally came to him and it's late and they need to eat.
Could you not argue that his suffering made him less mepathetic to th e crowds. "I went 40 days and these people can't make it one?" I think that's something alot of pastors experiance when you relaize that you may be significantly more dedicated to the work than the vast bulk of the people you serve. "I have given up my entire life to this work and you can't give me an hour this week?"
Maybe the lesson is just because you are willing to "suffer" more don't deny the value of those who "suffer" less.
Hey AJ,
I think you're right that there are several reasons Jesus would identify with the crowd.
I don't think you could say that Jesus didn't empathize, though. Here's why: While I didn't get into this in the post, the Lukan version of this passage comes on the heels of the disciples returning from being sent out to preach and heal, relying on the hospitality of strangers in the towns they visit for food and shelter at Jesus' command. The feeding of the 5000, however, has the disciples not wanting to be the hospitable ones: They want the crowd sent away to find their own food and lodging (in direct contrast to the hospitality they have been receiving). Jesus, in contrast to the disciples, has already "welcomed" the crowd (v. 11; Matt. records he had compassion on them) and wants the disciples to do the same. Jesus, by his own words, was often left without place to sleep (which is also in Luke 9 where Jesus is describing the cost of following him), and without welcome (Luke 9:51-56).
I think Jesus' similar experiences to the crowd contributed to his welcome/compassion, which would indicate empathy, while there doesn't seem to be any frustration or bitterness in Jesus to the crowd here.
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