Jesus will now perform another miracle–feeding a
multitude of people out in the wilderness. This miracle will demonstrate what has been hinted at all
along–Jesus is not only the new Moses, the consummate covenant mediator who will lead his people in a
New Exodus, but when Jesus provides the people of Israel with a miraculous provision of food in the
wilderness, this is a foreshadowing of the long-promised messianic feast and a sure sign that Jesus is
much greater than Elijah and far more than a prophet. Jesus is Israel’s Messiah who has come to lead his
people in a new Exodus. The New Israel will eat bread in the desert and be well-satisfied.