15:29-31
We now come to the second great feeding miracle. Some say this is just another retelling of the first miracle. This is not the case. There are distinct differences between this and the feeding of the five thousand, and Jesus refers to both miracles (Matt 16:8-11). Anyway, many who say there was only one feeding probably don’t believe the first was a miracle anyway! Jesus went up a mountain, presumably just meaning he just went a little way up as the crowds followed Him. Many were healed of all sorts of diseases and conditions, Matthew putting emphasis here on the mute being able to speak. They also saw the crippled walking. And so they praised the God of Israel. They saw this as God’s work, unlike the clueless religious leaders.
15:32,33
Jesus speaks to His disciples. In the previous incident it was the disciples who raised the question of the people needing food. This time it is Jesus who initiates the conversation. He is testing the disciples, but it seems that they had learnt nothing. They had seen, even partook in, the miracle, so one might have hoped they would have at least suggested a repeat performance, but no. We can be the same. God may act in our life in a particular situation, we accept it gratefully enough, but we learn nothing. The next time a similar situation arises we are just as full of fear as the last time. So the disciples' response is that it is impossible for them to feed the people.
15:34-39
Jesus then got the disciples to go through a similar routine as they had done in the feeding of the five thousand. This time they had seven loaves and a few fish to play with. Jesus gave thanks for what they had and everyone had more than enough to eat. He then sent the crowds away and left for the region of Magadan.
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