The Feeding of the Four Thousand

32 And Jesus having called near his disciples, said, 'I have compassion upon the multitude, because now three days they continue with me, and they have not what they may eat; and to let them away fasting I will not, lest they faint in the way.' 33 And his disciples say to him, 'Whence to us, in a wilderness, so many loaves, as to fill so great a multitude?' 34 And Jesus saith to them, 'How many loaves have ye?' and they said, 'Seven, and a few little fishes.' 35 And he commanded the multitudes to sit down upon the ground, 36 and having taken the seven loaves and the fishes, having given thanks, he did break, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37 And they did all eat, and were filled, and they took up what was over of the broken pieces seven baskets full, 38 and those eating were four thousand men, apart from women and children. 39 And having let away the multitudes, he went into the boat, and did come to the borders of Magdala.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 15:32-39

Commentary on Matthew 15:29-39

(Read Matthew 15:29-39)

Whatever our case is, the only way to find ease and relief, is to lay it at Christ's feet, to submit it to him, and refer it to his disposal. Those who would have spiritual healing from Christ, must be ruled as he pleases. See what work sin has made; what various diseases human bodies are subject to. Here were such diseases as fancy could neither guess the cause nor the cure of, yet these were subject to the command of Christ. The spiritual cures that Christ works are wonderful. When blind souls are made to see by faith, the dumb to speak in prayer, the maimed and the lame to walk in holy obedience, it is to be wondered at. His power was also shown to the multitude, in the plentiful provision he made for them: the manner is much the same as before. All did eat, and were filled. Those whom Christ feeds, he fills. With Christ there is bread enough, and to spare; supplies of grace for more than seek it, and for those that seek for more. Christ sent away the people. Though he had fed them twice, they must not look for miracles to find their daily bread. Let them go home to their callings and their own tables. Lord, increase our faith, and pardon our unbelief, teaching us to live upon thy fulness and bounty, for all things pertaining to this life, and that which is to come.