The question moved the disciples from what they lacked to what they had. Gill notes the gentle way Jesus responded to their doubt: "In a very mild and gentle manner, taking no notice of their stupidity, nor upbraiding them with their forgetfulness of the late miracle." He says Jesus was "willing to exercise their patience, and try their faith." The question also made the smallness of their supply plain before the miracle.

The disciples answered directly: "Seven, and a few little fishes" (Matthew 15:34). Jesus then "commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground," took the loaves and fishes, "gave thanks, and brake them," and gave to the disciples, who gave to the multitude (Matthew 15:35-36). "They did all eat, and were filled," and seven baskets of broken pieces were left (Matthew 15:37).

In the earlier feeding the disciples had "five loaves, and two fishes," and twelve baskets were left over (Matthew 14:17, 20). Here there were seven loaves and seven baskets. Gill notes that the seven baskets were filled "according to the number of the loaves which were broken." Jesus later asked the disciples to remember both sets of numbers (Matthew 16:9-10).

Here Jesus began with what the disciples already had. He did not make bread from nothing; He took the seven loaves, gave thanks, brake them, and gave them to the disciples, who gave to the multitude (Matthew 15:36). He worked through ordinary things placed in His hands, and through people who passed on what He gave.

The result was more than enough. Matthew Henry writes, "Those whom Christ feeds, he fills."