Which is far less than Jesus provided them way back when:

“And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full” (Matthew 14:20).

Not just tidbits, barely enough to tide them over. Oh no! This bread-and-fish meal filled all of them.

But the disciples had to start with contributing the little bit they had, both of food and of faith:

“He said, Bring them hither to me” (Matthew 14:18).

Jesus did the rest. And that’s how it’s supposed to work all the time!

This happened because Jesus cared for the people despite His own need.

John the Baptist had just been beheaded and buried. Jesus had just heard from and offered comfort and perspective to John’s disciples.

Now He needed some time alone:

“When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart” (Matthew 14:13).

But the people needed Him, and followed Him.

So we have this:

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them” (Matthew 14:14).

And that’s the way He is all the time.

Even for me.

Posted on November 20 from Tucson, AZ.