Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 15:37-39

"And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, besides women and children. And he sent away the multitudes, and entered into the boat, and came into the borders of Magadan." — Matthew 15:37-39 (ASV)

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

And if the women and children were present in a proportion similar to that in most congregations, they would have been more numerous than the men. And then comes the finish, And he sent away the multitude. If you and I had done this, we would have let them stay for an hour while someone proposed and someone else seconded a vote of thanks for the good dinner they had received. But He fed them, and then he sent away the multitude, took ship, and came into the region of Magdala. May we learn Our Lord's blessed absence of self-seeking!