Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 15:37

"And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, seven baskets full." — Matthew 15:37 (ASV)

The feast was conducted in such an orderly manner and with such bountiful provision that all ate until they were satisfied. Even the little children had their bread and fish. The remainder—the broken food—was too good to waste, and so it was gathered in baskets for future use. The God of abundance is still the God of frugality. We are to lack nothing, yet we are also to waste nothing. Baskets are always available—the difficulty is to fill them.

Here the baskets corresponded to the number of the loaves; in the former banquet, they corresponded to the number of the apostles. The blessing that rewards service may relate either to the workers or to the original supply they contributed, depending on the basis of comparison. In both instances of feeding the multitude, what remained after use was greater than what was initially possessed. The more we give, the more we have. Might not some of us be poor because we have given so little away? Might not the most gifted have received more gifts by now if they had unselfishly used what they possess for the good of others?