Tradition
St. John Chrysostom
Homilies on the Gospel of John
Homily 34 › John 4:31
“In the mean time His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, eat...”
“Asked,” here is “besought,” in their native language; for seeing Him wearied with the journey, and the oppressive heat, they entreated Him; for their request concerning food proceeded not from hastiness, but from loving affection for their Teacher? What then says Christ?
Source: Homilies on the Gospel of John (New Advent)