Matthew 14:20 meaning
Jesus performed one of His most famous miracles, feeding a multitude with just five loaves and two fish. This account is significant not only for its miraculous nature but also for its lesson on faith and provision. As the crowd had followed Jesus into a desolate place, the disciples were concerned about food for the large assembly, which likely numbered around 15,000 when women and children were included. Faced with a seemingly insurmountable need, they suggested sending the people away to find food in nearby villages.
In response, Jesus instructed His disciples to feed the crowd themselves, prompting them to bring forth the little they had. Through their submission and His divine power, every person present was satisfied, and there were even leftovers—twelve baskets filled. This miracle illustrated Jesus' compassion and His ability to meet needs beyond human comprehension. It also foreshadows the spiritual nourishment He provides as the Bread of Life, echoing themes of divine provision seen throughout scripture, such as God's provision of manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.
This event is recorded in Matthew 14:20, which highlights the abundance of God's gifts and invites us to trust in His capacity to provide, even when resources seem scarce.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 14:15-21 meaning. Jesus multiplies the provisions of five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand people. This miracle parallels the God’s provision of manna for the children of Israel in the wilderness during the time of Moses.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 9:35-38 meaning. Jesus begins traveling through the region of Galilee into all the cities and villages. He teaches in the synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing everywhere He goes. He feels compassion for the people who were discouraged and confused. He tells His disciples that the harvest for the gospel is bountiful, but there are few workers. He asks them to pray for God to send out more workers into His harvest.
- James 1:5-8 meaning. James anticipates the possibility that some of his readers may lack the ability to rejoice in a trial, so he offers a remedy based on the character of God. The believer who lacks the faith to rejoice can ask God for the wisdom needed; but this request must be made with a single-minded faith, otherwise there is no reason to expect God to give the wisdom to rejoice in the trial at hand.
- Matthew 16:13-20 meaning. Jesus begins a significant conversation with His disciples In Caesarea Philippi. He asks His disciples about the Son of Man and who He is. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus commends His disciple for God’s revealing this to him, and tells him that such bold faith will lead the church to overcome culture and Hades itself. Jesus also tells Peter that He will give him authority to act on behalf of kingdom of heaven.