“Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to Him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And THEY ALL ATE AND WERE SATISFIED. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were FOUR THOUSAND MEN, besides WOMEN and CHILDREN.” (Matthew 15:32-38)
The disciples have accompanied Jesus back into the territory of Israel, to the mostly Gentile region of the Decapolis. He has spent three days there preaching and healing people, showing even the Gentiles the power and compassion of God. This follows His conversation with a woman where He indicated that His main mission was to Israel, but that those who wanted what Israel rejected were welcome to it “And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” (Matthew 15:21-28)
Now Jesus turns to His disciples and says outright that He has compassion for the people. Whatever food they may have brought with them to this desolate place is now gone. The people, however, have apparently not wanted to leave so long as Jesus was willing to keep preaching and healing. The situation has worsened to the point where Jesus doesn’t want to send them away, likely out of concern. He specifically mentions they faint on the road back to wherever they are from. The implication in Jesus’ words is clear: LET’S FEED THESE PEOPLE.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham