He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.
Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them,
and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they
distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish.
He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also.
They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over
— seven baskets. There were about four thousand people. (Mk 8,4-9)
It is said that the feeding of the five thousand (Mk 6,30-44) with
twelve baskets left over represents Jesus' ministry among
the Jewish people ( 12 tribes), while feeding the 4000 with
seven baskets left over represent his ministry among the
gentile world (70 nations)
But it is difficult to know the exact intention of the author.
Jesus ministry of compassion is stressed here too.
He is aware of and sensitive to the needs of the people
and he is willing to meet the needs of the people.
Interestingly in this ministry of compassion Jesus
involves his disciples. The closer one is to Jesus, the more
likely it is that he will call him to share his work of compassion.
One should not be worried about the little he has, rather
he should be ready to offer it to Jesus and do as he wishes.
He will multiple the little gifts we have and share it with many