32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. 33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude? 34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. 36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. 38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. 39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala. (Matthew 15:32-39 KJV)
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
After briefly visiting Tyre and Sidon, Jesus returned and sat on a mountain near the Sea of Galilee, choosing a humble, approachable place where people could come to him freely. Large crowds gathered, bringing the sick—lame, blind, mute, and disabled—and laid themselves at Jesus’s feet. This revealed both Christ’s compassion and power. Though physical needs drew people in, Christ welcomed everyone without complaint, especially the poor and hurting. Jesus healed them all, making the people glorify God in amazement.
Soon after, Jesus again demonstrated his compassion by feeding four thousand men, in addition to women and children, with just seven loaves and a few small fish (Matthew 15:32–38). This miracle, though similar to the feeding of the five thousand, had its own unique context. The numbers differed slightly, but not because Christ’s power had changed—he simply responded to the present need, not to impress. His use of the little available food reminds us that when natural means run out, God’s power is revealed more clearly.
Jesus saw the people had been with him for three days and had nothing to eat. Their willingness to endure hunger and hardship revealed their deep hunger for his words. Jesus noticed their endurance and told his disciples, “I have compassion for these people” (Matthew 15:32). Though he had done most of the labor—teaching and healing—he still expressed concern for the needs of the crowd. His care reminds us of Revelation 2:2, where he tells the churches, “I know your works and your labor.” He takes note of our service and our struggles.
In their hunger, the people were like Israel in the wilderness. God allowed them to hunger so that the provision would taste sweeter (Deuteronomy 8:3). And Christ, like the God of old, satisfied their hunger. He would not send them away fasting, lest they faint along the way. He cared not just for their spirits, but for their physical well-being too.
The disciples, however, questioned how such a crowd could be fed in such a remote place (Matthew 15:33). This echoed the doubt of Moses in Numbers 11:22. Their question showed a short memory, since they had just witnessed a similar miracle. They had even served in it. Forgetting God’s past works often leads to present doubts.
Jesus asked them how many loaves they had—not because he didn’t know, but so everyone could see how little was available before he multiplied it (Matthew 15:34). The disciples had to offer up all they had, trusting Christ to provide. This generous spirit mirrors what we see in Scripture: that we should share what we have, even when it’s little (1 Samuel 25:11; 2 Kings 4:42). Selfishness must be surrendered to faith and kindness. Those who give wisely and generously can trust that God will supply their needs—Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord will provide.
The people sat down to eat, not because they saw food but because they trusted in Jesus’ provision (Matthew 15:35). When we come to Christ for spiritual nourishment, we must also sit at his feet, expecting to receive what we do not yet see.
Before distributing the food, Jesus gave thanks. In the earlier feeding, he is said to have “blessed” the bread (Matthew 14:19); here, he “gave thanks.” Both show that gratitude is essential when asking God’s blessing. He then broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, who distributed it to the crowd—even though they had just doubted him. Christ continued to use them, showing that he is patient with his servants.
Everyone ate and was satisfied. This abundance shows that when Christ feeds, he fills. The world leaves us hungry, but Christ satisfies the soul (Isaiah 55:2; Psalm 65:4). Though called Jesus of Nazareth, he is truly from Bethlehem—“the house of bread”—and he himself is the Bread of Life.
There were leftovers—seven baskets full—enough to show that Christ’s provision exceeds the needs. There is always more grace for those who come back hungry. And while the number fed was slightly less than before, the miracle was just as great. In both cases, the meal was free—not to be charged or earned, but a gift of divine generosity. It was a small picture of the God who “gives food to all flesh” (Psalm 136:25) and “opens his hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:16).
After feeding them, Jesus dismissed the crowd and moved on (Matthew 15:39). They could not expect daily miracles; they had to return to their homes and their work. And Christ, the Light of the world, moved on to shine elsewhere. His mission was not stationary—he kept going, always doing good.