“And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” Matthew 14:15-16
Just prior to this story, Herod had beheaded John the Baptist. His disciples had brought Jesus the news of his burial. John played a significant role in God’s plan for salvation. Sent first to preach a message of repentance, He prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. Although the news was hard to receive, Jesus knew that this was part of the plan.
Mourning the loss of his cousin, Jesus slipped away and took a boat to a quiet desert place. Even though He was God, he was also man. He needed time to be alone and commune with His heavenly Father.
But somehow the crowds found out where He was and followed Him. How easy it would have been for Him to just ignore them and disappear from their sight. But He did not. Verse 14: “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.”
Evening drew near and the disciples reminded Jesus that the people were hungry. and that He should send them away to get food. He answered: “They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”
Jesus had compassion on the crowd, but He gave the responsibility to the disciples. When they brought the boy’s lunch to Jesus, He blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to distribute. Everyone was filled and there was some left over.
What a lesson for us. The Lord blesses us with so much. We have a responsibility to share with others who are in need. Jesus set an example of compassion. Let us look for ways that we can minister to the needy in our world today. We may not be able to respond to all the needs that are out there, but we can each do our part.
Matthew 25:40 “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Thought For Today: Proverbs 19:17 “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17
Devotion by Anne Johnston
