(Place Title Page/Initial Information from New Testament Bible Study: Part 1 –
Preparation Assignment here.)
NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE STUDY TEMPLATE
INSTRUCTIONS
For this assignment, you will be studying a chosen narrative from the Gospels that includes a
question asked by Jesus. You have chosen between the following three passages:
1. Matthew 15:32-39
2. John 5:1-17
3. John 14:1-12
You will use the template below to complete a study of this passage. In your study, you will use
the skills of Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application that you have become
familiar with through your reading in Everyday Bible Study, Approaching the New Testament,
and The Inquisitive Christ. You will also consult and cite at least three additional scholarly
sources to be incorporated throughout this assignment.
I. Introduction and Thesis Statement
The passage found in Matthew 15:32-39 tells the story of Jesus performing a miracle by
feeding four thousand people, which is like the feeding of the five thousand that is also
mentioned in Matthew's Gospel. This narrative shows Jesus's compassion and miraculous
abilities, as well as the themes of abundance, provision, and inclusion of Gentiles in
God's kingdom. This study aims to explore the significance of Jesus's question, "How
many loaves do you have?" (Matthew 15:34), within the broader context of the passage
and its implications for contemporary readers. By examining the context, symbolism, and
implications of Jesus's question, we can gain a better understanding of God's provision,
the disciples' faith, and the universal scope of Jesus's ministry. These insights can
resonate with believers today.
II. Observation
A. I have read the passage in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and
a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. You will find a copy
of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in Logos.
oYes
oNo
B. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
oJesus
oThe disciples
oThe crowd
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
In Matthew 15:32-39, it is recorded that Jesus was with a large crowd of people
in a deserted place. After three days, the people were hungry, and Jesus felt
concern for them. He decided to feed them and took seven loaves of bread and a
few small fish. Jesus blessed the food, and it miraculously fed around four
thousand people. After everyone had eaten their fill, the disciples gathered seven
baskets full of leftover fragments.
3. Story structure (inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action): (50-100 words)
➢Inciting Incident: Jesus sees the crowd hungry after three days with him and feels
compassion for them.
➢Rising Action: Jesus instructs the disciples to gather what food they have, blesses it,
and miraculously feeds the multitude.
➢Climax: The crowd is miraculously fed with seven loaves of bread and a few fish,
with plenty left over.
➢Falling Action: The disciples gather the remaining fragments into seven baskets.
4. Question(s) asked in narrative:
oHow can we feed such a large crowd in this desolate place?
oWhere can we find enough food to feed them?
C. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Questions” for observation.
Remember to consult the list of items from the observation section in studying the Gospels in
Chapter 17. This will help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,”
“when,” “why,” and “how.” This is also an excellent place to consult scholarly sources to
provide detailed answers regarding context.
1. Who:
Jesus, the disciples, and a large crowd of people.
2. What:
Jesus performs a miraculous feeding of a multitude of around four thousand people using seven
loaves of bread and a few fish.
3. Where:
In a desolate place, somewhere remote where a large crowd has gathered around Jesus.
4. When:
Although the exact time is not given, it is a pivotal moment in Jesus' traveling ministry, taking
place following a time of teaching and healing.
5. Why:
▪Why does Jesus feel compassion for the crowd and decide to feed them?
oJesus felt compassion for the people because they had already been with Jesus for
3 full days with no food and He did not want to leave the people hungry.
▪Why does Jesus choose to perform this miracle with such a large crowd present?
oFirst, it shows his empathy and care for the physical health of those who
accompanied him for three days, showing his concern for their material and
spiritual needs. Second, it affirms his identity as the Son of God by highlighting
his divine power and control over the elements. By using just a few loaves and
fish to feed such a large crowd, Jesus demonstrates his miraculous and bountiful
provision that defies human comprehension. Furthermore, he reinforces his status
as the Messiah and the harbinger of God's kingdom on earth by performing the
miracle in front of a sizable crowd, which also helps to deepen the faith of his
followers and raise awareness of his teachings and message.
▪Why does the passage emphasize the abundance of leftovers after everyone has eaten?
oThe abundance of leftovers represents Jesus' abundant grace and gifts to his
disciples. It implies that God's supply is lavish and abundant, exceeding all need
and expectations. The text promotes faith and trust in God's capacity to provide
abundantly for His people in all circumstances by highlighting the surplus of
food. This message of divine abundance is conveyed.
6. How:
▪How does Jesus perform the miracle of feeding the multitude with limited resources?
oJesus preforms a miracle of which He took 7 loaves of bread and a few
fish and turned them into enough food to feed the whole crowd with
leftovers.
▪How do the disciples respond to Jesus' instructions to gather the fragments?
oJesus gave his disciples clear instructions in which they were to distribute the
food among the crowd of people. They did so and came back with 7 baskets full
of food.
▪How does this miracle contribute to the overall message and mission of Jesus?
oThis miracle shows that God is all powerful. Not only is he all-powerful but all-
loving. He uses this miracle to serve as an example of what He can do.
III. Interpretation
A. Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (100-400 words) explain what you
think the author is trying to communicate in this passage. Remember to take into consideration
that this passage includes a conversation that Jesus is having. Thus, this passage is both showing
and telling us something.
The author of Matthew 15:32–39 tells a story in which Jesus feeds the four thousand
people, displaying both his divine might and compassion. The primary idea of this
passage centers on Jesus' capacity to meet the bodily and spiritual needs of the multitude.
The author highlights Jesus' divine authority and cares for the well-being of those around
him through his speech and deeds. After three days of following him, Jesus shows
compassion for the multitude at the beginning of the narrative, realizing their need for
food. This prepares the audience for the miracle feeding, in which Jesus multiplies a
small bit of food, blesses it, and feeds the whole group.
The verse also emphasizes how crucial obedience and trust are to obtaining God's
rewards. Jesus tells the disciples to believe in God's provision despite their initial
skepticism and worries about how they would be able to feed such a huge crowd. As a
result of their distribution of the food, the disciples demonstrate to others the abundance
that results from abiding by Jesus' instructions. In general, Matthew 15:32–39 emphasizes
Jesus' authority, kindness, and capacity to provide for the material as well as spiritual
needs of his disciples. It is a potent reminder of God's provision and the value of putting
our faith in his wisdom and watchfulness.
B. Look again at the questions asked within the narrative. In 1 paragraph (200 words) explain
the purpose of these questions to the story, as well as how the question(s) that Jesus asked related
to his relationship with the other character(s).
The questions asked within the narrative of Matthew 15:32-39 serve multiple purposes in
advancing the story and highlighting key aspects of Jesus' relationship with his disciples.
The disciples' questions about feeding the large crowd in a desolate place and finding
enough food reflect their practical concerns and limitations in understanding how to
address the needs of the multitude. These questions reveal their reliance on conventional
thinking and their initial doubt about the possibility of providing for such a large group in
a remote location. In contrast, Jesus' response to their questions serves to challenge their
perspective and deepen their faith in his divine power and provision. By asking them
where they can find enough food to feed the crowd, Jesus prompts the disciples to
recognize their dependence on God's provision and to trust in his ability to provide
abundantly beyond their human limitations. This interaction underscores Jesus' role as
their teacher and leader, guiding them to a deeper understanding of his authority and their
relationship with God. Additionally, Jesus' questions about where to find enough food to
feed the crowd create a teaching moment for his disciples, challenging their reliance on
conventional means and inviting them to expand their perception of what is possible
through faith. This inquiry fosters a shift in their mindset towards trusting in divine
intervention. As a result, Jesus demonstrates his authority and nurtures a deeper
connection with his disciples, encouraging them to grow in their understanding of his role
as their teacher and guide in matters of faith and provision.
C. Based on your answers above, narrow down one principle from this passage. You should be
able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.
The principle highlighted in Matthew 15:32-39 stresses the importance of relying on
divine provision beyond human limitations. The passage demonstrates that God's
abundance exceeds human expectations and shows the significance of trusting in His
ability to provide for our needs, even in impossible situations. The story of Jesus'
miraculous feeding of the multitude highlights the principle that faith in God's provision
transcends earthly constraints and fosters a deeper relationship with Him.
IV. Correlation
A. How does this passage fit within the metanarrative of the Bible? State what type of story
you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation) and explain why you believe
this to be so. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
The passage in Matthew 15:32-39 is an integral part of the Bible's story of redemption.
Through this passage, we see Jesus' ministry of compassion and divine provision, which
are key elements of the overarching theme of redemption throughout the Bible. Jesus'
miraculous feeding of the multitude reflects the Old Testament narratives of God's
provision for His people, such as the manna in the wilderness, showing the fulfillment of
God's redemptive promises. Furthermore, this event points to the ultimate act of
redemption through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, where he provides spiritual
nourishment and salvation for humanity. As a result, this passage plays a significant role
in the larger narrative arc of redemption by highlighting Jesus' role as the redeemer who
fulfills God's plan of salvation for humanity.
B. How does this passage reflect other truths found in the Scriptures? State and explain at least
one way that the principle of this passage can be identified elsewhere in the Bible. Your
explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
This passage illustrates the principle of divine provision that goes beyond human
limitations. This principle can be seen in other parts of the Bible, such as the story of the
feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21. In both instances, Jesus takes a small
amount of food, blesses it, and miraculously multiplies it to feed a large crowd. This
consistency emphasizes the reliability of God's provision throughout Scripture.
Furthermore, the principle of divine abundance beyond human understanding is also
present in the Old Testament, particularly in stories like the feeding of Elijah by the
widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) and the miraculous provision of manna in the
wilderness (Exodus 16). These stories remind us of God's faithfulness and ability to
provide for His people in times of need, reinforcing the principle of reliance on divine
provision found in Matthew 15:32-39.
C. How does this passage reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ? State and explain at least
one way that the principle of this passage identifies something of the person and work of Jesus
Christ. Your explanation should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
In this passage, we see Jesus Christ as a compassionate provider who sustains us both
physically and spiritually. He performs a miracle by feeding four thousand people with
just a few loaves and fish, which shows us his divine authority over creation and his
ability to meet the needs of his followers. This event is like the Old Testament concept of
God providing manna in the wilderness, but Jesus takes it to a new level by fulfilling and
surpassing this provision. Furthermore, this event foreshadows the Last Supper, where
Jesus gives his followers the sacrament of communion, which provides spiritual
nourishment through his body and blood. Therefore, this passage not only shows Jesus'
compassion and power, but it also points to his sacrificial work on the cross, where he
offers himself as the ultimate sustenance for humanity's spiritual hunger.
V. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and
explain 1 point of application for your life for each of these four questions. Your explanation
for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (100-200 words) in length.
A. The question of duty
After reading this passage, I cannot help but ponder upon the aspect of duty and how it
relates to my life. It has reminded me of my responsibility to put my faith in God's
provision and follow His guidance, even when the circumstances seem impossible to
overcome. The example of Jesus instructing his disciples to distribute the food to the
crowd despite their doubts has deeply resonated with me and taught me the importance of
obedience and faithfulness in fulfilling my duties. This has made me realize that in all
areas of my life, be it personal relationships, professional endeavors, or spiritual growth, I
must rely less on my own understanding and capabilities and instead trust in God's
wisdom and power to fulfill my duties effectively.
B. The question of character
Upon reading this passage, I could not help but recognize the fundamental lessons it
conveys about the virtues of compassion and generosity. The passage highlights the
profound selflessness of Jesus, who fed a multitude of people without any expectation of
reward or recognition. Reflecting on this act of kindness, I am inspired to examine my
own character and attitudes towards others. I believe that we can all learn from Jesus'
example and strive to cultivate a spirit of compassion and generosity in our interactions
with those in need. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from simple acts of service to
offering emotional support and encouragement. By embodying Christ-like character
traits, we can reflect His love and compassion to those around us, making a positive
impact on their lives.
C. The question of goals
Upon reflecting on the goals aspect of this passage, I am compelled to prioritize the
nourishment and growth of my spiritual life. The passage reminds me of how Jesus
provided both physical and spiritual sustenance to the multitude, and it underscores the
importance of setting goals that align with God's kingdom purposes. I am inspired to
invest in activities that contribute to my spiritual well-being and to evaluate my priorities
so that I can adjust my goals accordingly. This means that I must strive to seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness in everything that I do, and that I must constantly
work towards achieving these goals. The passage is a powerful reminder that spiritual
growth is a lifelong process, and that we must continually invest in it to experience the
fullness of God's love and grace in our lives.
D. The question of discernment
Upon reading this passage, I am struck by the importance of discernment in decision-
making. It prompts me to seek God's guidance and wisdom, particularly when I am faced
with challenging circumstances or limited resources. The passage reminds me of how
Jesus demonstrated discernment when he was able to provide for a multitude of people
with only limited resources. This emphasizes the significance of seeking discernment
through prayer, scripture study, and seeking counsel from wise mentors and advisors. As
I reflect on these ideas, I am challenged to trust in God's leading and to make decisions
that honor Him. Even when faced with difficult or unconventional decisions, I am
encouraged to place my faith in God, knowing that He will guide me in the right
direction. Overall, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of
seeking discernment in all areas of life.
VI. Conclusion
Summarize your major points and concluding thoughts here.
To sum it up, the story of how Jesus fed four thousand people in the book of Matthew
teaches us about faith, generosity, and inclusion in God's kingdom. By looking closely at
the story and comparing it with other parts of the Bible, we can understand some
important lessons. When Jesus asked his disciples how many loaves of bread they had, he
was showing that even a small amount can be multiplied by God to feed many people.
This means that we can trust God to provide for us, even if we do not have a lot. It also
shows us that God's love and generosity is limitless and available to everyone. In
addition, the story tells us that Jesus fed not only his people but also a group of foreigners
who were not part of his community. This teaches us that God's love and generosity
extends to all people, no matter where they come from or what they believe. We should
be open and welcoming to everyone, just as Jesus was. When we think about what this
story means for our own lives, we can learn to have faith in God's provision, to be
generous with what we have, and to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone around us.
Just like how Jesus took a small amount of food and used it to feed a huge crowd, we can
offer what we have to God and trust that he will use it to bless others
(Place Source List from Bible Study Prep Assignment Last)
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