Matthew 14:18
He said, Bring them hither to me. Matthew 14:18 (KJV)
He said,
Bring them hither to me. Matthew 14:18 (KJV)
This verse belongs to the well‑known account of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish, commonly called the feeding of the 5,000. To understand its significance we must look at the broader narrative in Matthew 14:13‑21. Earlier, Jesus had withdrawn to a deserted place after hearing of John the Baptist’s death at the hands of Herod. Yet the crowds followed Him, seeking His teaching and healing, and He responded with compassion, healing the sick among them.
As evening approached the disciples suggested that Jesus send the people away to the nearby villages so they could find food for themselves. Instead, Jesus told them, “They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” The following verse, Matthew 14:18, records His specific instruction: “He said, Bring them hither to me.” By asking the disciples to bring the five loaves and two fish to Him, Jesus was calling them to act in faith and obedience, even though the provisions seemed utterly insufficient.
The subsequent verses (14:19‑21) describe how Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, who then distributed it to the crowd. Miraculously everyone ate and was satisfied, and twelve baskets of leftovers were collected. This event powerfully demonstrates Jesus’ divine power to multiply what is scarce and to meet both spiritual and physical needs.
From this passage we draw several spiritual lessons. First, we are invited to surrender our limited resources to Christ, trusting that He can transform the seemingly insignificant into abundant provision. Second, the episode encourages steadfast faith in God’s ability to provide, even when scarcity appears overwhelming. Finally, it reminds us that Jesus cares for our bodily needs as well as our souls, showing compassion by meeting hunger alongside healing.
In sum, Matthew 14:18 calls believers to bring their meager offerings to Jesus, relying on His power to multiply them for His glory and for the benefit of others, while trusting in His compassionate provision.
