Why does Matthew only mention the size of the crowd at the very end of the narrative of the miraculous feeding of the five thousand?
At the end of Matthew’s narrative of this meal, he finally says how many were present—a very great number (Matthew 14:21), stressing the abundant riches of Jesus’ blessings.
While only the number of men is specified, Jesus blesses the whole people (men, women, and children) with his power, not only healing their sick, but also nourishing them, showing how God’s people can always remain with Jesus and how he will provide for them abundantly.
At the very end of Matthew’s narrative of the miraculous feeding of the crowd he finally mentions how many people were present, and he reveals that this was indeed a very great number (Matthew 14:21). All of this highlights the abundance and riches of Jesus’ blessings.1
Although only the number of men is expressly mentioned, Jesus treats the women and children as an integral part of the crowd. He encompasses the people as a whole (men, women, and children) with his nourishing omnipotence. He not only heals their sick, but is also their source of nourishment. It becomes evident that God’s people can always remain with Jesus and that he will provide for them abundantly.2
21 Ceux qui avaient mangé étaient environ cinq mille hommes, sans les femmes et les enfants.