In this Trinity 7 sermon from St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Magnolia, Texas, we hear how Jesus feeds the 4,000 (Mark 8:1–9) and answers the disciples’ question: “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?” This is not a repeat of the feeding of the 5,000. Here the Lord has compassion on the Gentiles; seven large Roman baskets (spyrides) replace the twelve Jewish baskets (kóphinoi), signaling Christ’s sufficiency for the nations.
The sermon faces our doubts head-on: we often suspect that we—or our children, neighbors, and friends—won’t be satisfied by the Bread God gives. We chase novelty and distraction, yet Jesus takes what the Church has, blesses it, gives it through His disciples, and all are satisfied. The call is to repent and be comforted: Christ feeds us now with His Word and with His Body and Blood—more than enough for the wilderness we walk (see Numbers 21:5; Matthew 6:31–32).
St. Thomas is a confessional, liturgical Lutheran congregation serving Magnolia and Montgomery County, Texas. We invite you to hear Christ’s Gospel and receive His gifts in Word and Sacrament. Visitors and families are welcome.
