What are those disciples who received the loaves and fishes from Christ's hand, and carried them to the multi- tude, till all were filled? They are a figure of all faithftd preachers and teachers of the Gospel. Their work is simple, and yet deeply important. They are appointed to set before men the provision that Christ has made for their souls. Of their own invention they are not commissioned to give anything. All that they convey to men, must be from Christ's hands. So long as they faithfully discharge this office, they may confidently expect their Master's blessing. Many, no doubt, will always refuse to eat of the food that Christ has provided. But if ministers ofier the bread of life to men faithfully, the blood of those who are lost will not be required at their hands.
What are we doing ourselves P Have we discovered that this world is a wilderness, and that our souls must be fed with bread from heaven, or die eternally ? Happy are they who have learned this lesson, and have tasted by experience, that Christ crucified is the true bread of life ! The heart of man can never be satisfied with the things of this world. It is always empty, and hungry, and thirsty, and dissatisfied, till it comes to Christ. It is only they who hear Christ's voice, and follow Him, and feed on Him by faith, who are "filled."
Notes. Luke. IX. 12—17.
14. — [Byffties in a company.'] The word translated " company," is only used in this place in the New Testament. It signifies " a company of people reclining at meat."
Our Lord's love of order and dislike to confusion, appear strongly in the description here given about the disposition of the multitude, before He fed them. He teaches \ls me import- ance of doing everything in an orderly methodical way.