See comment on 14:20-21. Matthew provides both a literal lesson taken from the story and a figurative lesson based on the context. Figuratively, the leftovers symbolize that plenty of the "children's bread" remains for other seekers (15:26-28). But on the literal level Matthew teaches about God's limitless power and design in providing his children's needs. One might think that more food would remain after this feeding miracle than the previous one; after all, this time Jesus started with more food and fewer people (although the baskets used this time may have been larger). But such was not the case, reminding us that God's design rather than natural considerations determines the magnitude of any miracle.

Everett and Esther Cook pioneered many churches during and after the Great Depression, trusting God to supply their needs. In one town, having drawn a small number of women to their opening meetings, they prayed that God would send them some men as well. Everett decided to "put some legs to my prayers," as he put it, and went out to the streets to invite some men; he found only one, but promised him, "I can definitely guarantee you a seat."

The man did not come that night, but Everett concluded this was fortunate, because he would have broken his promise: no seats were available! Some men had driven into town from a nearby army camp, spotted the tent and entered the meeting. Many were converted and began bringing their friends, and from that day forward the Cooks' meetings never lacked for men. God does not always answer prayers so quickly, but we can be confident that no request offered for his honor is too hard for him.