Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 14:21

"And they that did eat were about five thousand men, besides women and children." — Matthew 14:21 (ASV)

“Women and children” are usually more numerous at a sermon than men, but as the people had come on foot, perhaps the stronger sex was more numerous on this occasion, as they generally are at mealtimes.

From many a great banquet women and children are shut out, but in Christ Jesus there is no exclusion because of sex or youth.

Five thousand men is no small dinner party. Think of five thousand fed with five loaves! A loaf among a thousand! Let us never fear that our consecrated resources will not last, or that we do not have enough talent or ability, if the Lord is pleased to use us. Our King will yet feed all the nations with that Gospel which is today so little thought of. Amen! So let it be.