Feed the 4000

Matthew 15:32-39

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible Chapter 15

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.

Verse 32:

He had compassion on them and would care for them as they were in his care.

He would not have them fainting or failing to make it home.

Verse 33:

Having obviously not learned from the feeding of the 5,000, they don’t look to Christ as provider.

Note there question, “Where could we get enough bread?”

Have you doubted God’s provision?

Do you need reminding who it is that supplies your every need?

Verse 34:

Jesus again points them to what they have, to use what they do have.

Many of us find ourselves wanting more to give to others all the while not using the means we do possess to help them.

Seven loaves this time and a few small fish.

Verse 36:

Note the order: 1. They gave Jesus what they had. 2. He gives thanks and blesses it. 3. He gave to the Disciples. 4. The Disciples gave it to the crowds.

Giving what we have to the Lord will be of better and greater advantage then keeping it to ourselves.

The Apostle Paul says this in Acts 20:35 “In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ””

Jesus on giving: Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”” Matthew 6:19–21 ““Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

Verse 37:

They all ate and were satisfied.

Seven Baskets full.

Verse 38:

4,000 Men and the women and children were not forgotten in this blessing.

Verse 39:

Christ then dismisses the crowd to go home, having met every need and filled every belly.

Application

1. Trust in God's Provision: Just as the disciples doubted where they could find enough bread to feed the crowd, we often find ourselves doubting God's ability to provide for our needs. This passage reminds us that Jesus not only recognizes our physical needs but also has the power and compassion to meet them abundantly. We should learn to trust in God's provision, even when the resources seem insufficient. Reflecting on personal experiences where God has provided in unexpected ways can help reinforce this trust. Encourage your congregation to bring their needs to Christ, laying them at His feet and trusting in His ability to provide.

2. Use What You Have for God's Glory: In verse 34, Jesus asks the disciples to use the little they have—seven loaves and a few small fish—to feed the multitude. This teaches us an important lesson about stewardship and the power of offering what we have to God. Often, we might feel that our resources, talents, or efforts are too small to make a difference. However, when we give what we have to the Lord, He can multiply it and use it for His greater purpose. Encourage your congregation to use their gifts, talents, and resources, no matter how small they may seem, to serve others and glorify God. Highlight examples of how small acts of kindness and generosity can have a significant impact when entrusted to God's hands.