Matthew 14:13-14–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

Posted by Seth on Apr 6, 2010 in Bible Study, Daily Devotions |

Matthew 14:13-14–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

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Welcome to today’s Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation covering Matthew 14:13-14 wherein we see Jesus seeking quiet delivering compassion in a day of grieving.

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

One of the things that I’ve learned (or am learning) as a parent is that your kids don’t always pick up on when you’re wanting a bit of alone time. I’m a morning person overall and didn’t have any problem several years ago being the first one up in the household to get some good reading and prayer time in while all was quiet. That doesn’t happen very often anymore, though I still make the attempt certain days. But just about as soon as I get the Bible open or my head bowed, here come those cute little feet and crazy hair. Those are moments where it is not always easy for me to be patient, even if I’ve gotten a fair night’s sleep; good thing they’re so darn precious.

Well, Jesus’ single greatest human supporter, John the baptist, had just been beheaded in prison, probably because Herod the tetrarch couldn’t think all that far past his sex drive after what was likely a sensual dance performed on his birthday by a minor. That would be a difficult thing for any friend of the deceased to deal with. Jesus Himself wanted at that point to take some moments alone after hearing about it, only it wasn’t always easy for our Lord to get that much desired quiet time. I wonder how long Jesus had been in His place of retreat on the boat before he heard the gathering voices of those looking for Him back at shore, the waters carrying their conversation to His ears. Good grief! I think if I had been in Jesus’ place, I would have made myself invisible or took on the temporary form of an oar. But the people that met Him that day can praise God forever that He’s not me. Whereas I would have felt irritation, Jesus felt compassion and brought blessing into the lives of the hurting. What an example for us to follow! Now granted, Jesus did take that much needed time of silent communing with His Father and we must fight for the same. But what we learn from our Savior is that faithful and fruitful ministry followed these times of refreshment. What Jesus never said to people who were likely ignorant of whatever He might have been feeling inside was, “Do you think you’re the only one with problems around here?!”

O, to be more like Jesus. Perhaps you’re in one of those stages in life where everyone is calling for personal time with you. Or maybe others don’t seem all that sensitive to what’s going on in your heart even during pretty intense times of personal struggle. Seek out a close friend or two to confide in, but realize above all that your Father knows and cares and that the Lord Jesus has been there. Find your strength and example for life and ministry in Him today.

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