Mark 8:1 Commentary and Bible Study

The Lord Jesus, after leaving the region of Tyre and Sidon has returned to the Sea of Galilee via Decapolis (Mark 7:31). Decapolis was to the east of Galilee and the Jordan and extended some distance to the north and south of Galilee. Matthew says that he skirted the Sea of Galilee, that is, on the eastern shore, and that he again went up a mountain and sat down. There were many Gentiles that lived in the area, as well as Jews. News of his arrival circulated quickly and again great multitudes of people gathered to hear him and to bring their sick. There follows the feeding of the four thousand, which, though similar to the feeding of the five thousand, has unique lessons of its own. We look for the higher purpose, the spiritual lessons in the passage. These lessons are not far-fetched or contrived, but the spiritual sense and meaning behind these narratives if straightforward and these events are intended for our learning.