ISB ~ Mark 6 v35 - 44

The miracle of the loaves looks both to the past and to the future. (1) It recalls miraculous feedings from the OT, like the heavenly manna God provided for Israel in the wilderness (Ex 16) and the multiplied loaves and leftover baskets provided by Elisha (2 Kings 4:42-44). (2) It also anticipates the later institution of the Eucharist, where the same string of verbs (taking … blessed … broke … gave) is found together, something that occurs only here and at the Last Supper (14:22; CCC 1335).