What the Bible says about Jesus Christ's Compassion on the Multitude
(From Forerunner Commentary)
On the third day, Jesus decides to send the people away. Any food that they had brought with them had been eaten by this time, and they had nothing to sustain them on their return journey. Thus, Jesus has "compassion on the multitude" and decides to intervene. It is encouraging to notice that Christ's miraculous power often originates, not necessarily in answer to a challenge, but simply from compassion.
Jesus commands the multitude to be seated in orderly fashion and then gives thanks. This miracle emphasizes His gratitude to God for physical blessings. All the multitude witnesses that their provision comes directly from God.
Jesus truly is the Bread of Life. His kindness and compassion teach us that He is our loving, considerate, omniscient Provider, able to intervene for us under any circumstance.
Martin G. Collins
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Feeding the Four Thousand