This week, we are reading through Matthew 14:14-21, focusing each day on a portion of this miraculous story that appears in all four gospels. You can also read about it in Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-14
Read Matthew 14:14-21
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Let’s review this together: Jesus had just learned of the death of his cousin John the Baptist. He was grieving. He was trying to get away and have some time to Himself. Instead of getting some time alone, He was followed by a large crowd. I think I would be a bit irritated. But not Jesus. His response was compassion. Jesus saw the needs of the crowd and focused on the people who needed Him. Compassion, by definition, is a deep awareness of another’s suffering combined with a strong, active desire to alleviate their pain. Compassion goes beyond empathy to include action. It is a feeling of sympathy and a proactive response.
After reading this passage several times in preparation for this week’s devos, I have found myself taking into account the various needs and desires of others and asking myself, “What would Jesus do?” I am grateful to have access to Bible stories and to be in relationship with the Teacher, the One who takes the time, who grants access to my Heavenly Father. He offers love and mercy when I don’t quite get it right, and His strength provides the encouragement, love, and grace to help me get through anything. I am a work in progress. Let’s work together and do what Jesus would do!
Please join me in prayer:
Lord, Thank You for this wonderful example of how Jesus lived. I think about the many times I fall short and do not act out of compassion but from a place of my own selfish desires. Lord, I pray today for forgiveness. Please forgive me for the times I have allowed my feelings to dictate my actions. Father, I ask that starting today, You create a new heart in me. I want to live like Jesus, having compassion. Open my eyes to see the needs of others and help me to take action with joy in my heart. Remind me that serving people means serving You, Lord. I am grateful that we are in this together! Amen
