Matrix

• Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

  Gospel story found in Mark 6:30-44
• The gospel of Mark is believed to be the oldest yet is observed as the shortest of all the gospels present in the New Testament
• The gospel of Mark focuses on a Gentile audience in Rome during a time of persecution, emphasises Jesus' actions and suffering in order to resonate with a community facing trials
• The gospel of Mark presents Jesus as a suffering servant, highlighting Jesus' miracles and actions
• Story of Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand

  1. Apostles gather around Jesus and report their actions and teachings

  2. Many people coming and going, not having a chance to eat

  3. Jesus suggests they go to a quiet place to rest

  4. People recognise them and run to the spot before them

  5. Jesus sees the large crowd and has compassion on them, begins teaching

  6. As it gets late, disciples suggest sending the crowd away

  7. Jesus tells disciples to give the people something to eat

  8. Disciples report having 5 loaves and 2 fish

  9. Jesus directs the people to sit in groups

  10. Jesus takes the loaves and fish, gives thanks, breaks and distributes them

  11. All eat and are satisfied, with 12 basketfuls of leftovers
• Five loaves of bread

  Symbolises the five books of the Torah, the core of Jewish law and teaching
• Two fish


  Symbolises the dual aspects of Jesus' ministry - his teaching and miracles<|>Can represent the two main groups in the crowd: Jews and Gentiles<|>Can symbolise the 2 books of the prophets (nevi'im) in Hebrew theology
• "Like sheep without a shepherd"


  Common biblical metaphor highlighting the vulnerability and directionlessness of sheep without a guide
• Jesus as the Good Shepherd

  Provides spiritual nourishment, guidance, and protection, tending to both the spiritual and physical needs of his flock
• The parable of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke 15:11-32
• Parable of the Prodigal Son

  1. Younger son demands inheritance from father

  2. Squanders wealth in reckless living

  3. Faces poverty during famine, takes job feeding pigs

  4. Decides to return home, willing to be treated as a servant

  5. Father greets him with compassion, celebrates his return

  6. Older son becomes angry and refuses to join the celebration
• Parable of the Prodigal Son

  Presents a narrative about repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love
• father: '"Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!"'
• father: '"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"'
• Parable of the Prodigal Son

  • Presents a compelling narrative about repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love
  • Younger son demands inheritance, squanders wealth, returns home in desperation
  • Father greets him with compassion, celebrates his return
  • Older son's resentment and self-righteousness contrasted
  • Teaches God's limitless mercy, warns against self-righteousness and lack of empathy
• Parable of the Good Samaritan

  • Lesson in compassion, mercy, and redefining neighbourly love
  • Priest and Levite fail to help injured man, Samaritan provides immediate care
  • Challenges societal prejudices, emphasises extending love and mercy to all
  • Calls for active compassion and seeing everyone as a neighbour
• Parable of the Lost Sheep

  • Illustrates God's relentless pursuit of sinners and joy over their repentance
  • Shepherd leaves 99 sheep to search for the lost one, celebrates finding it
  • Contrasts joy over one repentant sinner with contentment over 99 righteous
  • Communicates value of each soul, God's persistent love and readiness to forgive