“When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself.” [1]
What was it? It was the news that King Herod beheaded John the Baptist. Jesus wanted to be by Himself at this point, but when duty called, He answered.
Multitudes WALKED from the cities to the deserted place where Jesus was praying. Jesus went out to meet them. He had compassion for them. He healed their sickness. His disciples urged Him to send the crowd away to find food for themselves, Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” The disciples offered to Jesus five loaves of bread and two fish. He blessed this food. It transformed into enough food to feed the 5,000 men plus the women and children that were there, and still have twelve baskets full of leftovers. [2]
Jesus sent His disciples by boat to cross a lake. He stayed behind. He dismissed the crowds. Then, Jesus went up to a mountain to pray. He was alone. Then, duty called again. A storm hit the lake. Jesus could have stopped the storm from His place of prayer but chose instead to meet His disciples amid the storm. After giving Peter a brief opportunity to join Him for a walk on that stormy sea, He got into the boat with His disciples and the wind ceased. At that point, the disciples worshipped Jesus, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” [3]
Upon arriving on land, people from the surrounding area gathered many sick people to Jesus. They “begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.” [4]
“Thank You Jesus that You grieve the death of Your messengers, like John the Baptist, who are slain for speaking up for righteousness’ sake, but do not diminish Your compassion for the needy people of our world who seek You. Despite what evil does, You pray for and provide for the needs of those who come to You. I thank and praise You for Your bountiful and faithful love for us. Your grace is more than enough. Your grace towards us is abundant.”
[1] Matthew 14:13
[2] Matthew 14:13-21
[3] Matthew 14:22-33
[4] Matthew 14:34-36
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