And He instructed the crowdIn this passage, Jesus takes the initiative to organize the multitude. This reflects His role as a shepherd who guides His flock, emphasizing His authority and care. The act of instructing the crowd also highlights His leadership and the importance of order in the midst of a large gathering. This mirrors the Old Testament instances where God provided for His people, such as in
Exodus 16 with the manna from heaven.
to sit down
The instruction to sit down is significant as it prepares the crowd for receiving sustenance, both physically and spiritually. Sitting is a posture of readiness and receptivity, indicating that something important is about to occur. This act of sitting down can be seen as a parallel to the posture of learning and receiving from a teacher, as seen inLuke 10:39 where Mary sits at Jesus' feet to listen to His teaching.
on the ground
The mention of the ground connects the event to the natural setting, emphasizing the humility and simplicity of the scene. It contrasts with the opulence of feasts in palaces, underscoring the accessibility of Jesus' ministry to all people, regardless of status. This setting also recalls the feeding of the Israelites in the wilderness, where God provided for them directly from the earth, reinforcing the theme of divine provision.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is performing a miracle of provision. His compassion and authority are evident as He prepares to feed the multitude.
2.
The CrowdA large group of people who have been following Jesus, eager to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. They are in need of physical sustenance after spending time with Him.
3.
The GroundThe setting for this event, symbolizing a place of humility and readiness to receive from Jesus. It is a reminder of the simplicity and accessibility of Jesus' ministry.
4.
The DisciplesAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, they play a crucial role in the distribution of food and are witnesses to Jesus' miraculous provision.
5.
The Miracle of FeedingThis event is part of the larger account of Jesus feeding the four thousand, showcasing His divine power and compassion.
Teaching Points
Jesus' Compassion and ProvisionJesus is attentive to both the spiritual and physical needs of the people. We are reminded to trust in His provision in all areas of our lives.
The Importance of ObedienceThe crowd's willingness to sit down as directed by Jesus is a model of obedience. We are called to follow Jesus' instructions, trusting in His wisdom and timing.
Humility and Readiness to ReceiveSitting on the ground symbolizes humility and readiness to receive from Jesus. We should approach Him with a humble heart, open to His blessings and teachings.
The Role of the DisciplesThe disciples' involvement in distributing the food highlights the importance of serving others. We are called to be active participants in God's work, sharing His blessings with those around us.
God's Abundant ProvisionThis miracle is a testament to God's ability to provide abundantly beyond our expectations. We are encouraged to have faith in His limitless resources and generosity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 15:35?
2.How does Matthew 15:35 demonstrate Jesus' compassion and provision for physical needs?
3.What can we learn about faith from the crowd's response in Matthew 15:35?
4.How does Matthew 15:35 connect to God's provision in Exodus 16:4?
5.How can we apply Jesus' example of gratitude in Matthew 15:35 to our lives?
6.In what ways can we trust God to meet our needs today?
7.Why did Jesus perform miracles like feeding the multitude in Matthew 15:35?
8.How does Matthew 15:35 demonstrate Jesus' compassion and provision?
9.What is the significance of Jesus feeding the crowd in Matthew 15:35?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 15?
11.What events mark the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem?
12.What did Jesus pray for during His ministry?
13.How could thousands be fed with only seven loaves and a few fish, and what evidence supports this event (Matthew 15:34-38)?
14.How does Jesus exemplify human qualities and experiences?What Does Matthew 15:35 Mean
And He instructed• The verse begins by highlighting Jesus’ deliberate initiative. “And He instructed” shows that the Lord is not reacting to circumstances but directing them (Matthew 14:19;Mark 8:6).
• His voice carries divine authority. Matthew later records, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). The command to sit anticipates a miracle and reminds us that obedience precedes blessing (John 2:5;Luke 5:5).
• Jesus’ care is pastoral: “When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36). Instruction flows from compassion, not mere control.
the crowd• Matthew has already noted the size and need of this gathering: “I have compassion for this crowd; they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat” (Matthew 15:32).
• These are largely Gentile people in the Decapolis region, showing the widening embrace of the gospel (Mark 7:31). Jesus ministers to all who come, fulfillingIsaiah 42:6 that He would be “a light for the nations.”
• A crowd can be chaotic, yet the Good Shepherd knows every sheep (John 10:27). His instruction brings order where there might be confusion.
to sit down• Sitting is a posture of rest and expectation.Psalm 23:2 echoes this moment: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Jesus provides physical rest before giving physical bread.
• Sitting also readies the people to receive teaching and provision (Luke 10:39, Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet”). By telling them to sit, Jesus fosters trust: they cease striving and wait for His supply (Exodus 14:13-14).
• The orderly seating turns an unmanageable mass into groups that can be served (Mark 6:40), underscoring that God’s miracles often unfold in practical steps.
on the ground• No elevated platforms, no special comforts—just earth beneath them. The scene recalls God’s down-to-earth approach in Christ, “who, though He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
• The ground setting underscores humility (James 4:6) and accessibility: anyone, rich or poor, can sit on bare soil.
• It also stresses reality: this is not an allegory but a literal historical event. The detail of the ground anchors the miracle in time and space (John 6:10 mentions “much grass,” another concrete detail).
• Finally, the ground would soon be the place where baskets of leftovers would be gathered (Matthew 15:37), testimony that God fills earthly needs abundantly.
summaryMatthew 15:35 records a simple command with profound meaning. Jesus, exercising divine authority and compassion, directs a large, needy crowd to adopt a posture of restful expectation on the bare ground. Their obedience prepares them to witness and partake in His generous provision. The verse teaches us that the Lord’s clear instructions, our humble readiness, and His mighty care converge to turn ordinary settings into stages for extraordinary grace.
(35)
He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.--Probably, with the same orderly precision as before, by hundreds and by fifties, the women and children, as we learn from
Matthew 15:38, being in this instance also grouped together apart from the men.
Verse 35. -
To sit down (
ἀναπεσεῖν)
on the ground. At this time there was not "much grass in the place," the season being no longer early spring. Their seat was the bare ground, their meal of the plainest character. He who as man had pitied them was now feeding them as God, yet not with luxuries or dainties, but with food sufficient for their needs.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.He directedπαραγγείλας(parangeilas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3853:To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.crowdὄχλῳ(ochlō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.to sit downἀναπεσεῖν(anapesein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 377:From ana and pipto; to fall back, i.e. Lie down, lean back.onἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.ground.γῆν(gēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093:Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 15:35 He commanded the multitude to sit down (Matt. Mat Mt) 
