Matthew Henry Commentary Mark 6:30-44

"And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; and they told him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught. And he saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart. And [the people] saw them going, and many knew [them], and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them. And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, The place is desert, and the day is now far spent; send them away, that they may go into the country and villages round about, and buy themselves somewhat to eat. But he answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred shillings` worth of bread, and give them to eat? And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go [and] see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves; and he gave to the disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they all ate, and were filled. And they took up broken pieces, twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes. And they that ate the loaves were five thousand men." — Mark 6:30-44 (ASV)

Ministers should do or teach only what they are willing to have told to their Lord. Christ notices the fears of some and the labors of others among his disciples, and provides rest for those who are tired and refuge for those who are terrified.

The people sought the spiritual food of Christ's word, and then he took care that they would not lack bodily food. If Christ and his disciples accepted humble things, surely we may also.

And this miracle shows that Christ came into the world not only to restore, but also to preserve and nourish spiritual life; in him there is enough for all who come. No one is sent away empty from Christ except those who come to him full of themselves.

Although Christ had enough bread at his command, he teaches us not to waste any of God's bounties, remembering how many are in need. We may, at some point, need the fragments that we now throw away.