The Gospels give us a few reasons why Jesus fed the multitudes:
* Compassion: In Matthew 14:14, it says, "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick." The feeding of the 5,000 follows directly after this display of compassion. Jesus saw their hunger and felt moved to alleviate their suffering.
* Teaching and Discipleship: The crowds followed Jesus because they were drawn to his teachings and healings. By feeding them, Jesus extended his ministry beyond just spiritual nourishment to physical sustenance. This reinforced his message of love and care for the whole person. The feeding also served as a teaching moment for his disciples, who were initially skeptical about the possibility of feeding such a large crowd. Jesus challenged them to use what they had, and through the miracle, he showed them the power of God's provision.
* Demonstration of God's Power: The miracle itself demonstrated Jesus' divine power and authority. It was a tangible sign of the Kingdom of God being present in him. It showed that God was not only concerned with spiritual matters but also with the physical needs of people.
* Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some believe that the feeding of the multitudes echoes the Old Testament accounts of God providing manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. This connection would further establish Jesus as the Messiah and the one who fulfills the promises of God.
In essence, Jesus fed the multitudes out of love and compassion, to demonstrate God's power, to teach his disciples, and to further his ministry of both spiritual and physical healing.