Chapter 39—“Give Ye Them to Eat”
This chapter is based on
Matthew 14:13-21
;
Mark 6:32-44
;
Luke
9:10-17
;
John 6:1-13
.
Christ had retired to a secluded place with His disciples, but this
rare season of peaceful quietude was soon broken. The disciples
thought they had retired where they would not be disturbed; but as
soon as the multitude missed the divine Teacher, they inquired, “Where
is He?” Some among them had noticed the direction in which Christ
and His disciples had gone. Many went by land to meet them, while
others followed in their boats across the water. The Passover was
at hand, and, from far and near, bands of pilgrims on their way to
Jerusalem gathered to see Jesus. Additions were made to their number,
until there were assembled five thousand men besides women and
children. Before Christ reached the shore, a multitude were waiting
for Him. But He landed unobserved by them, and spent a little time
apart with the disciples.
From the hillside He looked upon the moving multitude, and His
heart was stirred with sympathy. Interrupted as He was, and robbed of
His rest, He was not impatient. He saw a greater necessity demanding
His attention as He watched the people coming and still coming. He
“was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep
not having a shepherd.” Leaving His retreat, He found a convenient
place where He could minister to them. They received no help from
[365]
the priests and rulers; but the healing waters of life flowed from Christ
as He taught the multitude the way of salvation.
The people listened to the words of mercy flowing so freely from
the lips of the Son of God. They heard the gracious words, so simple
and so plain that they were as the balm of Gilead to their souls. The
healing of His divine hand brought gladness and life to the dying, and
ease and health to those suffering with disease. The day seemed to
them like heaven upon earth, and they were utterly unconscious of
how long it had been since they had eaten anything.
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