MATTHEW—NOTE ON Matthew 14:15 These verses record Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000, the only miracle from Jesus’ earthly ministry recorded in all four Gospels (compare Mark 6:32; Luke 9:10; John 6:1). Having followed Jesus to a desolate place, the great crowd is stranded late in the day without food. The scene recalls God’s provision of manna for Israel after the exodus. The mention of twelve baskets left over may symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel as well as the abundance of God’s provision. They all ate and were satisfied may also represent the messianic banquet in the kingdom at the end of the age (compare Matthew 8:11). five thousand men, besides women and children. The total number may have included 10,000 or more. Jesus is the new and better Moses, who fills the needs of his people.

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