Matthew 15:30  “…great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others…”
Those that didn’t need healing brought those that did.  It’s easy to think of people as selfish and self-centered, but many here had great compassion for others.  They wanted to be sure the sick got a chance to see Jesus.  We should have the same compassion for those that don’t know Him.  We should desire to make sure they get a chance to meet Jesus.

31  “…they glorified the God of Israel”
Scripture tells us when we act toward others as God would, the world can see that and glorify God.  They may not know to praise Him specifically as such, but their realization that something outside themselves has done this can bring Him glory.  This can bring them one step closer to knowing Him.

32  “…continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat…”
Commentary suggests the people had brought some food with them, and/or perhaps the disciples had been passing out some from their carried stores.  But after three days, everyone’s food is running out.

33  “…Where could we get enough bread…”
I’m surprised at a couple of things here.  First that the disciples could be so forgetful as to not remember how Jesus had fed five thousand earlier with only a few loaves and fish.  Second, that nothing is mentioned of the earlier miracle.  Would almost expect someone to at least ask the question could Jesus not repeat that incident.  Commentary brought up the same question.  They gave a few good possibilities.  Bottom line is that we forget we’re looking back on incidents with the full knowledge of who Jesus was as well as the knowledge of that visitation of the Messiah.  The disciples were living it with little complete knowledge.  Perhaps they didn’t realize that Jesus had His power all the time.  They had taken up fragments from the last time to use.  Each day their needs were met in normal ways.  Even in this instance three days had gone by without a miracle.  Perhaps they were thinking of the prophets, that the Spirit of God came and went as needed.  Having the Spirit indwell them full time hadn’t occurred yet.  It’s not really fair for us to assume they should jump so quickly into solid faith in Jesus in His completeness in such a short period of time.  Good explanations, but one still wonders.

37  “…seven large baskets…”
Commentary had interesting note.  The term for basket here is different than that used in the earlier incident.  Earlier it was that used for small basket, one which could be carried in the hand.  This one is that used for the larger basket a group would use to pack many provisions.  Probably the same used in Acts which was large enough to contain Paul as he was let down from a window.

39  “…the region of Magdala”
Western side of the sea.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.