Feeding Five Thousand -2

Among other things, this miracle is a sign of Christ’s power to multiply. It is reminiscent of the Creation of the earth, wherein anything Jehovah touched was increased, organized, improved upon, and was good (see Genesis 1). It is also reminiscent of the manner in which Jehovah fed Israel manna in the wilderness (see Exodus 16:15).

It is significant that leftovers from this sign of power filled twelve baskets. Jesus easily could have multiplied the “exact” amount necessary to feed the throng but chose to multiply an excess of food. From this it is evident that He wanted to convey at least one principle to His first-century audience that is stated clearly in latter-day revelation: “And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. . . . For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare”