“And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.”– Matthew 15:38 (KJV)
“There were four thousand men who were fed, besides the women and children.”– Matthew 15:38 (NLT)
“Four thousand men ate, besides the women and children.”– Matthew 15:38 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 15:38 Mean?
Matthew 15:38 is a significant verse in the New Testament that describes a miracle performed by Jesus. In this moment, Jesus feeds a great crowd of people. It is important for us to recognize the scale of this miracle. Four thousand men are mentioned, and besides them, there are women and children. This means that the total number of people present was even larger. Imagine being in that crowd, hungry and eager to hear Jesus speak, only to find that not only did He teach them, but He also provided for their physical needs.
This verse highlights several core aspects of Jesus’ character. One of those is His compassion. Jesus saw that the people were hungry, and His heart was moved for them. We see that throughout the Gospels, Jesus often took the time to notice people’s needs. Whether it was healing a sick person or providing food, Jesus was tuned into what was happening around Him. The miracle of feeding the four thousand shows us that Jesus cares about both our spiritual and physical well-being.
Matthew 15:38 Explanation and Commentary
In the context of this miracle, Matthew 15:38 is part of a larger narrative where Jesus is teaching a crowd of people who have gathered to hear Him. The crowd had followed Him for three days, and they were hungry. In a moment of compassion, Jesus asked His disciples about the food they had. They responded that there were only seven loaves and a few fish available. Instead of turning them away or dismissing their needs, Jesus turned to what was available and performed a miracle.
This action teaches us about faith and resourcefulness. Sometimes we might think that what we have is not enough to meet the needs around us. But Jesus shows that even the smallest offering in His hands can accomplish great things. The disciples may have felt overwhelmed by the need in front of them, but Jesus took their limited resources and multiplied them to feed thousands. This is a beautiful reminder that God can work with what we have, no matter how small it seems.
Also noteworthy is the manner in which Jesus performs the miracle. He tells the crowd to sit down, takes the loaves and fish, gives thanks, breaks them, and then gives them to His disciples to distribute. This act of breaking bread echoes the last supper that Jesus would have with His disciples. It signifies not just a physical meal but also a deeper spiritual nourishment that we gain by a relationship with Him. Jesus multiplies the food and makes sure that no one goes hungry. This reflects God’s nature of abundance, love, and generosity.
Furthermore, the mention of women and children in the crowd indicates that Jesus’ ministry is inclusive. He was concerned for everyone, not just the men or the leaders in society but also for families and children. This reflects a broader theme in the Gospels, where Jesus often reached out to those on the margins of society. He welcomed the outcasts, healed the sick, and embraced the needy. We can learn from this attitude of inclusiveness and strive to reach out in love and compassion to everyone in our lives.
Context of Matthew 15:38
The context of Matthew 15:38 is critical for understanding its significance. Before this miracle occurs, Jesus had been teaching in the region of the Decapolis, an area primarily inhabited by Gentiles. He had previously performed a similar miracle where He fed five thousand men, and now we see a second feeding miracle. This reinforces the idea that Jesus came not only for the Jews but for all people. It’s a testimony of His mission to bring salvation and healing to everyone, regardless of their background.
This miracle also followed a series of teachings about inner purity, where Jesus addressed the Pharisees regarding what defiles a person. He emphasized that it’s not what enters a person’s mouth that makes them unclean; rather, it’s what comes out of their heart. This interaction with the people leading up to the feeding miracle demonstrates how Jesus was setting the stage for profound lessons about faith, unity, and love.
After performing the miracle, there is a sense of awe and wonder among the crowd. People witnessing these events were experiencing Jesus’ power firsthand. They were not only receiving physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment through His teachings and the miracles that affirm His identity as the Son of God. This adds depth to our understanding of Matthew 15:38 and showcases the magnificence of God’s provision.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 15:38
Let’s break down some key components that make this verse compelling. The fact that Jesus was able to feed four thousand men indicates an enormous display of divine power. By catering to such a large crowd, Jesus illustrates that He can meet all our needs. When we think about our lives, we may feel limited in what we can provide for ourselves and others, but God reminds us that He can take what we have and multiply it. This is not just about food; it represents all resources we have in our lives.
The reference to “besides women and children” is also meaningful. Jesus was aware of the diverse dynamics of the people around Him. In a society that often placed men at the forefront, Jesus showed love and care for everyone. By recognizing the women and children present, He acknowledges their importance in the community. This aspect of the miracle challenges societal norms and conventions of the time, illustrating that God’s love is all-encompassing.
Furthermore, we see the act of giving thanks before the meal. This serves as a beautiful reminder for us to be thankful for the provisions that God gives us. Jesus’s example of giving thanks sets a pattern for us to follow. Before we share food or enjoy a meal, we should take a moment to acknowledge God’s blessings and provision in our lives. This practice of gratitude can enrich our lives and foster a spirit of appreciation.
As the miracle unfolds, we see the disciples actively participating. After Jesus blesses the food, He gives it to the disciples to distribute. This action invites them into the miracle. It reminds us that we also have roles to play in serving others. We may not perform miracles as Jesus did, but we can extend kindness, support, and love to those around us, acting as His hands and feet in the world.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 15:38
The miracle of feeding the four thousand from Matthew 15:38 offers us profound lessons. One of the most significant lessons we can take away is the importance of compassion and generosity. Like Jesus, we are called to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. This can be as simple as checking on a neighbor, offering help to someone in need, or sharing resources with those who lack essentials. Sharing what we have demonstrates love and creates a stronger community.
Additionally, this verse teaches us about the power of faith. The disciples may have felt overwhelmed by the challenge of feeding so many people, but Jesus took what they had and multiplied it. This encourages us to trust God with our resources, however limited they may seem. He can take our small contributions and use them for something significant. We should exercise faith in our lives and in our giving, knowing that God can work wonders with our offerings.
This passage also emphasizes the importance of gratitude. Before the miracle occurred, Jesus gave thanks. This example encourages us to implement a practice of gratitude in our own lives. When we experience lack or face difficult times, giving thanks can shift our mindset. We start to notice the blessings in our lives, which leads to a greater sense of contentment. Gratitude not only honors God, but it transforms us.
Another lesson we can draw is the call to inclusivity. Jesus actively included everyone in this miracle. In our communities, we can strive to create spaces that are welcoming to all people—regardless of gender, background, or socioeconomic status. When we embody the spirit of Jesus and extend kindness and welcome to everyone, we reflect His love for humanity.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 15:38 reminds us of the compassion and care that Jesus has for all people. He fed thousands because He saw their need and wanted to provide for them. In our lives, we are challenged to follow His example by being compassionate, generous, and inclusive. We can trust in God to meet our needs, and we can extend that trust to others by sharing what we have. This miracle serves as an inspiration to daily express love through our actions and to trust that God will use our offerings in remarkable ways.
Let us remember that we play an important role in God’s work. Just as the disciples were called to serve the crowd, we too are called to serve those around us. Whether through acts of kindness or sharing the message of hope that Jesus brings, we can be instruments of God’s grace in people’s lives. As we reflect on this passage, let’s keep our hearts open to the opportunities to help others and respond to the call to reflect Christ’s love.
There’s so much more to explore within the scriptures that can enrich our walk of faith. Feel free to check out more about Matthew 11 or dive into different aspects of Genesis. Every passage carries unique insights and encourages us to grow closer to God.