The table in the wilderness.
Jesus had several reasons for his crossing the lake to the desert of Bethsaida.
1. He was there out of the jurisdiction of Herod.
2. He avoided the pressure of the people and gained some leisure to converse with his disciples newly returned from their progress.
3. He intended to spread before the multitude a table in the wilderness. He knew that the people would follow him. Note: Jesus sometimes leaves us that we may follow him. He lures us into spiritual solitudes to show us there the wonders of his compassion and goodness. The scene is before us.
I. THERE ARE THE GUESTS.
1. They are many.
2. They are earnest.
3. They are needy.
II. THERE IS THE TABLE.
1. It is spread in the wilderness.
2. This recalls an earlier scene.
3. This also anticipates a later scene.
III. THERE IS THE SERVICE.
1. The King heads his table.
2. The disciples are the servitors.