Matthew 15:34 Meaning and Explanation

Jesus answers their helplessness with a question of His own: how many loaves have you? They reply, seven, and a few little fishes. He directs their attention away from what they lack to what they hold, however small it seems. Seven loaves and a handful of fish are nothing before such a crowd, yet this is what He asks them to bring.

The Lord's question is full of instruction. He does not ask for what they do not have; He begins with the little in their hands. So He often works, taking our small and insufficient offerings as the starting point for His abundance. The verse teaches that we are not to despise the little we can bring. Placed in Christ's hands, even seven loaves and a few fish become more than enough.