While in the region of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus stressed that he had been sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Only as an exception and example was a Canaanite granted her request due to her faith (Matthew 15:28). Matthew 15:29–39 shows how he returned to distributing bread to Israel.
The Gospels record four times that Jesus gave a meal for those he ministered to: the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21), the four thousand (Matthew 15:1–39), the last supper (Matthew 26:26–30), and a meal on the beach after his resurrection (John 21:12–13).
While he was in the district of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus placed great emphasis on the fact that he had been sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). Only as an exception, and by way of example, was a Canaanite woman granted her request because of her great faith (Matthew 15:28). What follows here in Matthew 15:29–39 highlights how Jesus once again returned to the task of distributing bread to the children of Israel1.
The Gospels record four instances during which Jesus prepared a meal for those he ministered to. After his work in Galilee had been completed, he fed the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21); and now, in Matthew 15:1–39, after a brief period of activity among the Gentiles in Decapolis, he fed the four thousand. Later, when his earthly ministry was about to be concluded, he again shared bread and wine with the disciples (Matthew 26:26–30), but after he had risen from the dead, they received a meal from him for the fourth and final time (John 21:12–13)2
29 Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there.