And Jesus went forth
Either from the mountain where he sat with his disciples, ( John 6:3 ) or out of the desert, where he had retired for secrecy; or out of the ship, which seems best, the company having got thither before his landing:
and saw a great multitude;
for, there were about five thousand men, beside women and children, ( Matthew 14:21 )
and was moved with compassion toward them:
partly on account of their bodily infirmities, which were very many and great; and partly on account of the bad situation they were in, through want of spiritual pastors to feed them with the bread of life; for Mark gives this as the reason, moving his compassion, "because they were as sheep, not having a shepherd": all which shows the truth of Christ's human nature; proves him to be a merciful high priest, and one truly concerned for both the bodies and souls of men:
and he healed their sick;
which they brought along with them, and that without the use of any medicine, by a word speaking: so that as the former phrase gives proof of his humanity, this attests his divinity: but this was not all he did, he not only healed their bodies, but he taught them the doctrines of the Gospel; and spake to them concerning the kingdom of God, for the good of their souls, as the other evangelists relate.