MAIN IDEA
Jesus saw the hungry crowd and had compassion for them. In His compassionate spirit, He performed a miracle by feeding over 4,000 people with merely seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. The people were satisfied after being fed, and there were baskets of leftovers for the disciples to collect. Jesus’ compassion led to the feeding of the hungry. It is this same compassion of love that we, as believers, ought to possess for those who are spiritually hungry.

THE APPETITE FOR COMPASSION
During His ministry in the region of Decapolis, where He had been performing miracles, Jesus encountered a large crowd that had been with Him for three days without food. Recognizing their need and showing deep compassion, He expressed concern to His disciples about sending them away hungry, fearing they might collapse from exhaustion on their way home, as many had come from far distance. This situation highlights Jesus' compassion and it’s importance. We as believers ought to develop a compassionate heart just like Jesus for those that are in spiritual distress or hunger. A compassionate heart will help us notice those in need.

THE ACTION OF COMPASSION
The disciples expressed their concern about finding enough bread to feed the large crowd in a remote place. Jesus asked them how many loaves they had, to which they replied, "Seven." Jesus then instructed the crowd to sit down, took the seven loaves, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to His disciples to distribute to the people. They also had a few small fish, for which Jesus gave thanks and instructed the disciples to distribute as well. Having compassion is not enough, a compassionate heart must commit to actions that will seek to alleviate the distress of others. Jesus saw the need of the people and performed a miracle to satisfy their hunger. With God nothing is impossible, even when it seems remote or desolate.

Hymn: Little is Much when God is in It
Does the place you're called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He'll not forget His own.

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There's a crown-and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus' Name.

THE ABUNDANCE OF COMPASSION
Jesus miraculously fed over four thousand people with seven loaves and a few small fish, and afterward, the disciples collected seven basketfuls of leftovers, demonstrating His abundant provision. This act of compassion not only satisfied the physical hunger of the crowd but also served as a profound spiritual lesson. Jesus declares in John 6:35 that He is the bread of life, promising that whoever comes to Him will never go hungry or thirsty spiritually. This miracle underscores that even in desolate, seemingly impossible situations, Jesus can provide abundantly, satisfying both physical and spiritual needs. It encourages believers to trust in God's provision and grace, which are always more than sufficient to meet every need.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• How can you cultivate an appetite for compassion similar to Jesus? What can you do to be more aware of and responsive to the needs of those around you?

• Can you share a personal experience where you witnessed the results of an act of compassion that you did not expect?

• How can you apply the spiritual lesson in this passage of God’s abundant provision, especially when it seems remotely hard or desolate?