Matthew 15:32-39 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: 4000 Fed

Matthew 15:32-39 – 4,000 Fed

|| Mark 8:1-10

MT15:32 But Jesus called his disciples around him and said, “I am feeling compassion[1] over the crowd because it is already three days[2] since they approached me and they have had nothing to eat. I do not want to dismiss them fasting. They may give out on the road.”[3] MT15:33 His disciples asked him, “Where in this isolated place are there enough loaves of bread to satisfy this crowd?” MT15:34 Now Jesus told them, “How many loaves do you have?”[4] The disciples said, “Only seven and a few small fish.”[5] MT15:35 Having ordered the crowd to recline on the ground MT15:36 Jesus took the seven loaves of bread and the fish and giving thanks he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, and the disciples to the crowd. MT15:37 And everyone ate and was satisfied.[6] The surplus of leftovers[7] they gathered filled seven provision baskets. MT15:38 Those who ate included four-thousand males apart from women and little boys.[8] MT15:39 Having dismissed the crowds Jesus boarded the boat and arrive into the Magadan area.[9]

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[1] Compassion: Or, PME: my heart goes out. This crowd has just experienced unnumbered miracles and the joyous conversation with tears of happiness must be awesome. We can only imagine their emotions.

[2] Three days: Imagine such a crowd, so filled with energy and elation they have lost the count of time and at least one night has passed. The strength and example of the Nazarene is something to admire.

[3] They may give out on the road: Or, RHM: lest by any means they faint; PME: collapse on the way; BAS: they will have no strength for the journey.

[4] How many loaves do you have: The disciples either are aware of the availability of this food or they carry it themselves. They have walked over fifty miles and climbed a mountain. Surely there is at least the passing concern they will not have enough.

[5] A few small fish: They may have fished at the lake or carried dried fish with them.

[6] Everyone ate and was satisfied: Or, TCNT: everyone had sufficient to eat; NEB: they all ate to their heart’s content.

[7] Surplus of leftovers: Or, KJV: broken meat; BER: leftovers filled seven hampers; NEB: the scraps left over.

[8] Males apart from women and little boys: See Matthew 14:21.

[9] Arrive into the Magadan area: About a ten mile row along the coast. This is the only occurrence of this place name. The name means “tower” and was the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

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Preceding

Matthew 14:14-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: 5,000 Fed

Matthew 15:1-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Tradition and the Heart

Matthew 15:21-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Giving Bread to Puppies

Matthew 15:29-31 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus Cures

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Additional reading

1. Cap 3000 a Valhalla blinding consumers

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7. Quick Thought – Thursday, June 28, 2018
8. Jesus Math
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11. Five Loaves and Two Fish
12. Boy with the loaves and fish
13. Go and See