Book of Matthew - Chapter 15 - Verse 36

In this verse, Jesus took a small amount of food - seven loaves of bread and fish - and blessed it before breaking it apart and distributing it to his disciples, who then shared it with a large crowd of people. This miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' ability to provide for the needs of all those who trust in him. It serves as a reminder that no matter how little we may have, God is able to take what we offer him, bless it, and use it to meet the needs of many. This event also foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus again blessed bread and wine, instituting the sacrament of Communion. The act of giving thanks before breaking and sharing the food highlights the importance of gratitude and generosity in the Christian faith. It teaches us to trust in God's provision and to share our blessings with others in a spirit of thanksgiving and love.

One key theological interpretation of this verse comes from the act of Jesus giving thanks before breaking the loaves and fishes. This act of thanksgiving before performing the miracle of multiplication highlights the importance of gratitude in the Christian faith. By giving thanks, Jesus sets an example for his disciples and the multitude, demonstrating the need to approach God with a thankful heart in all circumstances. The act of breaking the bread and fish also points to Jesus as the ultimate provider for his followers, symbolizing how he can take something small and make it into an abundance. This act of breaking and distributing the food prefigures the Last Supper, where Jesus breaks bread and shares it with his disciples, instituting the sacrament of communion. Word studies on phrases like "gave thanks" and "brake them" reveal deeper meanings about Jesus' actions and intentions, shedding light on his divine nature and the significance of this miraculous event in the gospel narrative.