Matthew 14:20 - They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
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What does "Matthew 14:20" mean?
This verse, Matthew 14:20, is the conclusion of the story of the feeding of the 5,000 (also found in Mark 6:42-44, Luke 9:17, and John 6:12-13). It highlights several key aspects of the miracle:
"They all ate, and were filled": This emphasizes the abundance of the miracle. It wasn't just a little bit of food stretched thin; everyone had enough to eat until they were satisfied. This speaks to God's provision being more than adequate, exceeding expectations.
"They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces": This is arguably the most remarkable part of the verse.
"Twelve baskets": The number twelve is significant. It often represents the twelve tribes of Israel. Some interpret this to symbolize God's provision for all of his people, or perhaps that the leftovers were enough for the Twelve Apostles to each have a full basket.
"Left over from the broken pieces": This underscores that the miracle was a multiplication, not just a division. The original loaves and fish were broken, likely making them easier to distribute. Yet, even after everyone had eaten their fill, there was far more remaining than the original amount.
Symbolic Meanings and Interpretations:
Abundance and Generosity: The verse demonstrates God's unlimited generosity. He provides not just what is needed, but overflows with abundance.
Provision: It assures believers that God will provide for their needs, even in seemingly impossible situations.
The Kingdom of God: The miracle can be seen as a foretaste of the abundance and provision that will be available in the Kingdom of God.
Spiritual Nourishment: Some interpret the food symbolically, representing spiritual nourishment through Jesus' teachings and sacrifice. The abundance of leftovers could represent the endless benefits available through faith in Christ.
Waste Not, Want Not: While the miracle is about abundance, the gathering of the leftovers can also be seen as a lesson in stewardship and avoiding waste, even in times of plenty.
Historical Accuracy and Witness: The specific detail of "twelve baskets" reinforces the historical nature of the event. A later story, the feeding of the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39), resulted in seven baskets of leftovers. This difference suggests these are separate events, not just different accounts of the same miracle, because the details, specifically the quantity of leftovers, varies depending on the situation.
In conclusion, Matthew 14:20 is a powerful statement about God's incredible provision, generosity, and ability to meet the needs of his people in extraordinary ways. The "twelve baskets full" are a vivid symbol of that abundance.
Matthew 14:20 - They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
What does "Matthew 14:20" mean?
This verse, Matthew 14:20, is the conclusion of the story of the feeding of the 5,000 (also found in Mark 6:42-44, Luke 9:17, and John 6:12-13). It highlights several key aspects of the miracle:
"They all ate, and were filled": This emphasizes the abundance of the miracle. It wasn't just a little bit of food stretched thin; everyone had enough to eat until they were satisfied. This speaks to God's provision being more than adequate, exceeding expectations.
"They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces": This is arguably the most remarkable part of the verse.
"Twelve baskets": The number twelve is significant. It often represents the twelve tribes of Israel. Some interpret this to symbolize God's provision for all of his people, or perhaps that the leftovers were enough for the Twelve Apostles to each have a full basket.
"Left over from the broken pieces": This underscores that the miracle was a multiplication, not just a division. The original loaves and fish were broken, likely making them easier to distribute. Yet, even after everyone had eaten their fill, there was far more remaining than the original amount.
Symbolic Meanings and Interpretations:
Abundance and Generosity: The verse demonstrates God's unlimited generosity. He provides not just what is needed, but overflows with abundance.
Provision: It assures believers that God will provide for their needs, even in seemingly impossible situations.
The Kingdom of God: The miracle can be seen as a foretaste of the abundance and provision that will be available in the Kingdom of God.
Spiritual Nourishment: Some interpret the food symbolically, representing spiritual nourishment through Jesus' teachings and sacrifice. The abundance of leftovers could represent the endless benefits available through faith in Christ.
Waste Not, Want Not: While the miracle is about abundance, the gathering of the leftovers can also be seen as a lesson in stewardship and avoiding waste, even in times of plenty.
Historical Accuracy and Witness: The specific detail of "twelve baskets" reinforces the historical nature of the event. A later story, the feeding of the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39), resulted in seven baskets of leftovers. This difference suggests these are separate events, not just different accounts of the same miracle, because the details, specifically the quantity of leftovers, varies depending on the situation.
In conclusion, Matthew 14:20 is a powerful statement about God's incredible provision, generosity, and ability to meet the needs of his people in extraordinary ways. The "twelve baskets full" are a vivid symbol of that abundance.