Matthew 15:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

That they had come from far, and that nothing was now left them, is shewn in what He says, And I will not send, them, away fasting, lest they faint by the way. Yet He does not immediately proceed to work the miracle, that He may rouse the disciples’ attention by this questioning, and that they may shew their faith by saying to Him, Create loaves. And though at the time of the former miracle Christ had done many things to the end that they should remember it, making them distribute the loaves, and divide the baskets among them, yet they were still imperfectly disposed, as appears from what follows; And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much, bread in the wilderness as to fill so great a multitude? This they spoke out of the infirmity of their thoughts, yet thereby making the ensuing miracle to be beyond suspicion; for that none might suspect that the loaves had been got from a neighbouring village, this miracle is wrought in the wilderness far distant from villages. Then to arouse His disciples’ thoughts, He puts a question to them, which may call the foregone miracle to their minds; And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? They said unto him, Seven, and a few little fishes. But they do not add, ‘But what are they among so many?’ as they had said before; for they had advanced somewhat, though they did not yet comprehend the whole. Admire in the Apostles their love of truth, though themselves are the writers, they do not conceal their own great faults; and it is no light self-accusation to have so soon forgotten so great a miracle. Observe also their wisdom in another respect, how they had overcome their appetite, taking so little care of their meals, that though they had been three days in the desert, yet they had with them only seven loaves. Some other things also He does like to what had been done before. He makes them to sit down on the ground, and the bread to grow in the hands of the disciples; as it follows, And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

It may be inferred that the five thousand, akin to the five human senses, received from Christ sustenance suited for those who live by the flesh. The four thousand, however, although still immersed in the physical realm, partake in a more profound, spiritual nourishment—suggestive of resting from worldly cares while simultaneously transcending them. Though they reside in this world, their sustenance allows them to rise above it. The rest that Christ offers is a divine one, beyond worldly existence, underscoring the blessedness of those who maintain peace, as they are called sons of God (Matt. 5:9). Since God exists outside of the material world, it is only through spiritual insight that one can truly encounter Him (Jn. 1:18).

The seven baskets filled with remnants after feeding the four thousand also resonate with the concept of divine rest, reflecting the Sabbath. Those who partake in earthly nourishment may one day consume a higher sustenance beyond this life. The partition of the seven loaves signifies rest, while the eight loaves symbolize resurrection—identified historically with the eighth day, the dawning of the new age in Christ's resurrection. Thus, the seven loaves sustain the four thousand for three days, perhaps instilling in them a clear faith in the resurrection. The saints proclaim, "Three days shall we go forth to make a feast to the Lord our God" (Exodus 5:3).

Concerning the five loaves, St. John reveals that they were barley loaves, emphasizing their appropriateness for those of a more carnal disposition. Barley serves as an initial sustenance, much like the foundation of faith that must first be laid before progressing to richer spiritual nourishment (1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12). If there are divisions and conflicts among us, aren't we still bound by worldly tendencies (1 Cor. 3:1,3)? Different virtues align with distinct kinds of spiritual nourishment; thus, we receive barley at first and later wheat, much like Elijah who partook in sustenance beyond carnal understanding.

The distinction between the two gatherings also encompasses where the people reclined while eating. The five thousand rested on the grass, symbolizing a more superficial comfort, while the four thousand settled on the ground, representing a deeper connection to true nourishment that sustains life, such as wheat, wine, and olive (Deut. 8:8). The separation between the two gatherings reflects a contrast in spiritual depth and contentment. The seven loaves highlight the grace offered to those gathered from the four corners of the world, showcasing the Church's universality.

Christ gave thanks to the Father, emphasizing gratitude as essential for His Church (Mark 8:6; Matt. 15:36; Jn. 6:11). We see that blessing accompanies humility, while thanksgiving acknowledges those who have triumphed over human frailties through the holy trials of faith. This contrasts with how the people were seated in groups of fifty, a sacred number, denoting the structured formation of the spiritually strong Church.

As the people were nourished by the apostles, their ministry signifies the future sharing of the Lord’s body and blood. Truly miraculous is the fact that five loaves sufficed for five thousand people, with the bread undergoing multiplication rather than simply being divided. This miracle illustrates a divine abundance that reflects the continuous providence of God—the bread is the Word that, when shared, multiplies exceedingly as it nourishes.

In an astonishing demonstration, as loaves were dispensed, the pieces increased—originating not from mere physical existence but from divine grace, transcending all understanding. The ongoing miracles, such as the transformation of water into the finest wine at the wedding, serve to affirm the faith of those who would believe (Jn. 2:11).

In contrast, the empty promises of the world stand in stark opposition to Christ’s abundant gifts. The myth surrounding King Midas, where all he touched turned to gold only to become his curse, exemplifies the emptiness of idol worship compared to the true fullness found in Christ. While the earthly feeds may seem small, they yield eternal salvation to the multitudes.

Regarding the disparities in remaining food, twelve baskets from the five thousand and seven from the four thousand reveal purposeful abundance, as these four thousand had been with Christ for three days, receiving richness in heavenly nourishment. The disciples gathered the leftovers intentionally, reflecting a divine wisdom in recognizing that true treasures are often hidden within the chosen few rather than the masses.

Moreover, Christ's teaching, which deepens the law, demonstrates how He expounded upon the commandments, calling attention to their spiritual urgency. For example, to look at a woman with lust is to commit adultery in the heart (Matt. 5:28). In His teaching, He provides insight into gathering more profound truths from the same law—such as illustrating the relationship between the sons of Abraham and the two covenants (Gal. 4:22, 24).

When Christ filled twelve baskets with leftovers, His intent was to fulfill the spiritual nourishment of His people, liberating them from past bonds and leading them to heavenly sustenance—the baskets signify the abundance available for all tribes, demonstrating that His bread strengthens hearts and souls (Ps. 103:15).

A deeper interpretation may be required regarding the two groups: the five thousand and the four. The five thousand represent those with less spiritual maturity, while the four symbolize the more spiritually advanced. Although there are many among both groups, the less mature are generally more numerous than the more mature. The less mature, by being near Christ, are able to take in spiritual teachings, but their understanding is limited due to their weaker intellect. Conversely, the more mature grasp more because of their stronger understanding, resulting in a greater retention of spiritual insights.

While this explanation presents the concepts straightforwardly, others delve into excessive detail, offering convoluted arguments in this context and throughout various studies. We choose to bypass such intricacies, as they often lead to unnecessary confusion.

Mark refers to it (Mark 8:10), ‘of Dalmanufa.’ The two towns, Magdala and Dalmanufa, were located on the south-western shore of the Sea of Galilee, near Tiberias; from Magdala came Mary Magdalene, the Equal-to-the-Apostles, whom the Lord had freed from demon possession. St. John Chrysostom elucidates the miraculous feeding, stating that the Lord performs such wonders infrequently, and on only two occasions, to instruct the Apostles to prioritize spiritual sustenance over earthly concerns. We too must endeavor to seek these heavenly provisions, and once we have partaken of them, set aside all mundane anxieties. If the Jews were willing to abandon their homes, cities, and families to remain in the wilderness, enduring hunger without departing from Jesus, how much more ought we to demonstrate prudence and value spiritual treasures as we partake in such a feast. He who disregards the greater blessings in pursuit of the lesser is ultimately deprived of the former. Yet, if we cherish the first gifts, God graciously provides the latter, as they serve to complement the gifts bestowed upon the children of the Kingdom. This is the lesson from Christ, the Giver Himself: ‘seek,’ He instructs, ‘first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things,’ meaning all that is necessary for our earthly existence, ‘will be added to you,’ provided to you without your request, as if they are an addition to those spiritual treasures given to the children of the Kingdom of God.

To eliminate any doubts about the source of the loaves, He specifies the very location (in the wilderness - Matthew 15:33), ensuring they were aware of the miraculous nature of the event. Thus, both this and the prior miracle took place in the wilderness.