Wednesday, 14 January 2026
And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. Matthew 15:36
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“And having taken the seven loaves and the fish, and having thanked, He broke, and He gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the crowd” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus ordered the crowds to sit upon the ground. That continues now, saying, “And having taken the seven loaves and the fish, and having thanked.”
As noted in the verse 34 commentary, the word ichthus, fish, is now used instead of ichthudion, tiddler. What was seen as insignificant by the disciples is acknowledged to be sufficient when Jesus receives it from their hands.
Also, a new word, eucharisteó, to give thanks or be thankful, is seen here. That is the basis for eucharistia, thankfulness, found first in Acts 24:3. These words are the etymological root group for our word eucharist, thankfulness.
Jesus was careful to set the example for those in attendance, ensuring the continued practice of giving thanks for the abundance God provides. After giving thanks, it says, “He broke, and He gave to His disciples.”
Considering that it was seven loaves and a few fish, giving it to the disciples already tells us that multiplication had taken place. Even if it were only the twelve, there wouldn’t be enough for each to have a full portion. And yet, they received something from Jesus’ hand. And more, the verse finishes with, “and the disciples to the crowd.”
Despite having done this in the recent past, the sensation of walking around vast multitudes of people, handing out bread without diminishing the amount you started with, must have been beyond exhilarating.
Even today, in a world where stores are filled with food, to see that accomplished would not fail to cause the one handing out the food to be utterly astonished at what was occurring.
Life application: Think of what happened, now for the second time, as these men handed out the food to the people. Now consider it in relation to the salvation provided by Jesus as well as the truths found in the pages of Scripture.
Jesus’ atonement was effectual not just for a few first-century Jews on the day of Pentecost. Rather, His salvation extended throughout much of the Roman Empire as recorded in the Bible. But since the completion of the Bible, it has continued to save people around the entire planet, and for a period that is now over two thousand years in duration.
There is an unlimited amount of salvation being passed out to the people of God. Indeed, if every person on the planet heard and received the message, every single one of them would be included in His salvation.
Likewise, the Bible has been feeding people for thousands of years. Even before it was completed, people were relying on it for their light, food, and understanding of God. But think of it! Since it was completed two thousand years ago, people are still, even day by day, discovering new patterns and hidden treasures in the word.
These things should give us complete confidence that God is in control and that we are being safely and assuredly carried along in our lives to a final, good destination. Living in a fallen world means troubles, uncomfortable times, pains, sadness, and loss.
None of us is getting out of here alive unless the Lord comes during our lifetime. Death is a part of life that is inescapable. So why should we fret over it? Its effects are but a temporary moment on the way to eternal glory.
No matter what we face, may it be with the hope-filled determination that we will live out our days giving thanks to God for the abundance He gives us in this walk of life. May He be our point of boasting and the recipient of all of our praise. Yes, may it be so.
Lord God, You are good, and all that You have done and are doing serves a good purpose. We may not see it as we face difficult times, but we can know it is true. Help us to have the right and positive attitude, regardless of what we face in this temporary walk. May we look ahead to the glory that You have promised us, knowing for certain that it will come. Amen.