In response to their plea, “Have mercy on us,” Jesus performed miracles to relieve them. And he did so, not in a routine, apathetic or condescending way, but “moved with pity.”​—Matt. 20:33, 34.

We can appreciate Jesus’ strong feeling more by noting that, in this last phrase, the Gospel writer used a verb (form of splagʹkhnon) that literally means “to feel the bowels yearn.” Yes, God’s Son felt deeply moved inside on seeing the needs of others.

And that same merciful feeling caused Jesus to provide those crowds with food so that they would not “give out on the road” on returning home. (Matt. 15:32)