Idolatry and Salvation

Idolatry involves putting something that is not God in the place of God. An alternative god is whatever we value most. Since we tend to esteem most what we believe will satisfy us best, our idols are those non-God things we turn to most often for fulfillment. And our fulfillment requires not only getting more of what we need but also getting rid of what prevents us from wholeness. If we are unable to free ourselves from such obstacles, we need a savior. So idolaters will usually seek salvation apart from God. But salvation is found only in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Feeds 9000

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus feeds two large groups, first 5000 (chapter 6) and then 4000 (chapter 8). Plausibly, the first represents Jesus' provision for the Jews and the second his caring for the Gentiles (in chapter 7 he moves into Gentile territory). Together, these feedings symbolize God's salvation in Christ for all humanity. ‘5’ in 5000 could represent the Old Covenant people (think Pentateuch) and ‘4’ in 4000 the rest of humanity (think four corners of the earth). Multiples of 1000 signify the comprehensive nature of Jesus' work on behalf of these two groups (and thus all people).