Matthew 14:21 meaning
In this passage, we witness a significant miracle that highlights Christ's compassion and power. Following the shocking news of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus withdrew to a quiet place but could not escape the crowds who sought Him. They recognized His authority and the hope He represented, which illustrates the profound connection between Jesus and those in need. This miracle, noted in all four Gospels, emphasizes His role as a provider—not just physically, but spiritually as well. The feeding of the 5,000 serves as a foreshadowing of the abundance of the coming Kingdom of Heaven, where all are welcome at the table.
In Matthew 14:21, we see the culmination of Jesus’ work through His disciples, as they were called to serve by distributing the miraculously multiplied loaves and fish. This moment teaches an essential lesson: even the smallest offerings can contribute significantly in God’s hands. The leftovers, twelve baskets full, affirm that in Christ, there is always abundance—enough not only for immediate needs but with surplus to share. Such abundance is a reminder of God's generous provision in our lives and calls us to trust Him with our limited resources to meet the needs of others.
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 14:13-14 meaning. Jesus is back in Galilee. Having learned of the murder of John the Baptist, He seeks a place of solitude. He gets in a boat to find a secluded place, but the crowds see and follow Him on foot. When Jesus gets to shore He has compassion for them and heals their sick.
- Matthew 22:1-14 meaning. Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast of the king’s son. But when the invitation is sent informing the invitees that the wedding is now, they refuse to come. Others among them kill the messengers. The king then sends an army to burn their city and invites anyone to come. At the wedding a friend of the king is there without his wedding clothes and is escorted out of the feast.
- 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.