Jesus is revealed as the Lord of the New Exodus and gives us a pattern of ministry for the church age. The Feeding of the 5,000 reveals Jesus as Messiah like nothing else can with its echo of Exodus. He is announcing the ultimate fulfilment of OT Exodus promises, bringing a new exodus with a new covenant relationship. In this exodus, he is creating a new Israel whom he will lead to the new heavenly promised land.
Jesus involves the disciples in the exodus work, preparing them for church ministry, to trust him and his limitless capabilities, the God who provides generously. This provides a basis for our church life today.