The disciples can now also rest and eat. Their rest is coloured by the miracle. They rest in Jesus’ divine care for them and also for the people among whom they have a task as apostles. This brief rest is altogether suitable to prepare them for further work on Jesus’ mandate on behalf of Israel, on behalf of people who are like sheep without a shepherd. This oasis of the festive meal on the green grass strengthens them to follow the divine shepherd, on whom the shadow of death of Herod’s attention had already fallen. It is also a sign of the rest that this shepherd has come to prepare for Israel: the wedding-banquet of the Lamb brings rest to the apostles and the people for whom they labour.1
42 And they all ate and were satisfied.