What Does The Bible Say About Feeding The Hungry?

When Jesus walked the earth, he experienced hunger and thirst. God, dwelling among us, felt the push and pull of human needs as we do. He also had a God’s-eye view on the experience of those around him and acted with compassion to meet needs—spiritual and physical needs—wherever he went.

Jesus did not diminish the need a hungry person has for a good meal. And when we read the gospels with the whole Bible in mind, we see that hunger has always mattered to God. It has always been his intent that all people experience fullness of life, and that includes bodily nourishment. As a heavenly Father who gives good gifts to his children (Matthew 7:10-11), God does not overlook our physical needs.

So as God’s people, and co-laborers with Christ in a needy world, what does the Bible teach us about feeding those who are hungry, as an extension of God’s justice?

Matthew 25:35-37
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Here, Jesus links feeding the hungry to ministering to himself, I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink.