| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| April 28, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Matthew 15
Observation & Interpretation
Matthew 15 recounts the second instance in which Jesus multiplied bread and fish to feed a large crowd. The parallels between the feeding of the four thousand men besides women and children in this chapter and the feeding of the five thousand in the previous chapter are worthy of consideration. In both cases, Jesus showed compassion for the crowd, saying in Matt. 14 that they “need not go away” (Matt. 14:16) and in Matt. 15, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.” (Matt. 15:32). Jesus also directed both crowds to sit down (Matt. 14:19; 15:35), broke the loaves and said a blessing or gave thanks (Matt. 14:19; 15:36), gave them to the disciples who distributed them to the crowds (Matt. 14:19; 15:36) and all the people ate and were satisfied (Matt. 14:20; 15:37). Both also include how there was food left over, illuminating the abundance with which the food was provided; twelve baskets in the feeding of the five thousand and seven baskets in the feeding of the five thousand (Matt. 14:20; 15:37).
Application
The means of distributing the food through the apostles helps us to see a vital aspect of our walk with the Lord. In giving the loaves and fish to the disciples to give to the people, Jesus was assigning them a direct role in supplying their need. He could have done this in a number of different ways, but chose specifically to make them agents of provision. In much the same way, all of God’s people have been commissioned to bring the good news of Jesus, the bread of life, to the nations. He could make Himself—and salvation found only therein—known through a myriad of methods, but instead appointed us the great honor and responsibility of being His ambassadors. How wonderful it is that the Lord God of all creation has granted us such a task and with what joyful obedience we should respond in its execution.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
