During the ministry of Jesus, great multitudes eagerly followed Him—desiring to learn His word and to witness His miraculous signs and wonders. In the miracle of feeding the four thousand, the people faithfully followed Jesus, even to the point of neglecting their physical needs. Jesus not only taught and showed them marvelous works, He also had a true heart of love towards His followers.

I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way. (Mt 15: 32)

Like the multitude following Jesus, we too may become tired and hungry—especially when it feels as though we have been following for a while. We may find the journey tedious, perhaps even burdensome. We may face problems, and feel as though our needs are not satisfied—to the point that we lose sight of why we are following Jesus. 

However, Jesus knows this. Just as He knew that His followers were tired and hungry, He knows that our journey is long, that we too will become hungry. He knows that without Him, we will faint if we have nothing to eat. Furthermore, He sees that despite all of these hardships, we continue to follow Him with faith. And so as a father provides for his children, how much more will our heavenly Father tend to our needs!

Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (Mt 6:31-32)

Jesus knows the things that we need and will thus provide. He not only cares for our physical needs, but will also give us the spiritual strength to carry on in our journey as His disciples.

Although we may grow weary, the Lord will not send us away hungry, for He does not want us to faint on the way to our heavenly home.

Questions for Reflection

1.      Has there been a time in your journey of faith when you felt weary and hungry?

2.      How did God comfort and strengthen you?