The crowds of people had been following Jesus, bringing Him their friends and relatives for Him to heal. He made the blind to see, the crippled to walk, the deaf to hear. Caught up in the wonder of these miracles they continued to press Him but now He recognized another need.

They had been with him for three days, so they were tired and hungry. Jesus felt the need to be alone and refreshed. He knew that was what all of the people needed. They should go home and eat and rest and think about the miracles. But He was concerned that they were too hungry and tired to make it home. He had compassion for them. So He found food and fed their body as well as their hearts. When they were fed and rested He sent them home.

Maslow's Pyramid of needs hadn't been written but Jesus knew that food and shelter are so basic to man's needs that we have trouble paying attention until those are taken care of. With food in my stomach and assurance of my bed at night, I am more willing to listen to things of the spirit.

Are you taking time to be alone and think about all the things God has said to you?