Patton Oswalt has a fun bit about Jesus' Superpowers. He points out that necromancy -- driving out demons and raising the dead -- doesn't really fit with ... multiplying food.
And, yes, to my modern American ears, this is really strange.
Not surprisingly, the authors of the gospels did not see that way. They included these stories (what Oswalt calls "Sandwich Joe") to show that Jesus is bringing the Kingdom of God and is not just the Messiah, but God Himself.
Joel 3:17-18 says, "Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion ... In that day the mountains will drip new wine..." So in John 2, when Jesus creates 160-180 gallons of wine, John is pointing to Jesus fulfilling the prophecy and that God is in Zion.
When we come to the feeding of the 5,000 in Mark 6, the authors are echoing God's provision for Israel in the wilderness with manna. And the 12 baskets of leftovers signifies Christ's provision for all of Israel (a role God Himself would fulfill).
The feeding of the 4,000 with only seven baskets of leftovers is in a Gentile context, showing provision for them in a similar way. Which I think is cool.
Far from being random, Jesus' "superpower" to feed people was considered by the authors to signify that Jesus is the Messiah, he has brought the Kingdom of God, and is God Himself.
I find Patton Oswalt very funny, but his humor reminds me that there is more to learn.
Let's learn more, together.
~Luke
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