Matthew 14:13-33
Jesus receives news of John the Baptist's death as we begin our reading today in Matthew 14:13. Similar to when we lose a relative or friend, Jesus withdraws (by boat) to be by himself during this sad time. But the crowds won't leave him be and they follow him on foot. So Jesus wants solitude, but when he reaches the shore he's met head on by the crowd. So how did Jesus respond? With compassion, which is pretty amazing considering all that's happened. Verse 14 tells us Jesus sees the crowd and "had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Jesus also demonstrates compassion with the disciples later in Matthew 14. The disciples are on the Sea of Galilee in a storm and they see Jesus walking on the water towards them. Now they're likely already afraid because of the storm, but they are "terrified" when they see Jesus. Jesus tells them compassionately "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid" (vs. 27).
On a scale of 1-10, where are you when it comes to being compassionate and helping others? What are some things you can do (even yet today) to put compassion into practice like Jesus? Tami W.
On a scale of 1 - 10, it varies as to where I am. I think I hover around 7 or 8. What matters is that there is always room for improvement! I can be more generous with my time.
God has done a significant work in my life regarding compassion and concern for others. My wife and I are the adoptive parents to six children, some with special needs. Though at the time I did not honestly understand how much "work" parenting these children would be, and at times it has been very frustrating, God is showing me that this is His plan and His best for my life.
One of the things I like about this passage is that Jesus takes Peter's expression of fear and answers it with Himself. Jesus doesn't dwell on what Peter is afraid of or talk about the storm. He just says, "It is I, do not be afraid". Whatever "storm" is out there causing us to fear, the answer is always the presence of Jesus Christ. He is bigger, stronger, and mightier than any fear. The answer is not to face the fear but rather turn to the face of Jesus Christ. Let Him handle the storm for you!
This passage is a timely reminder for our family as we go through our current "storm". My husband was diagnosed a few months ago with progressive supranuclear palsy (a progressive neurological disease) for which there is no effective treatment or cure. It is a very scary time right now as we try to figure out what lies ahead of us and how to deal with it. It is comforting to know that Jesus is there and that he is in control of whatever the storm of life brings our way. We pray for strength and faith to trust Him.
Sorry I cannot rate myself but every Tuesday we visit persons who are no longer able to come to church (they are not necessarily persons from our church). These persons look forward to our visit and just today one of the ladies in a home when I enquired how she was today answered," I was not doing well yesterday but when I heard you and the priest were coming I felt so much better".(paraphrased) Seeing them there I just have to give them a hug, a kiss or just hold their hands. You would be surprised what this means to them.
I always try as much as possible to keep in contact with them and they appreciate every call and every visit. These people who are very old, one is 110 years they are blessings. Some of them have special words of wisdom for us right out of the Bible. They have their aches and pains but they never complain, instead they give God thanks and praise. Compassion comes from the heart and praying for these people and those we do not know shows compassion also.
ldeggers, I pray for your husband and your family that God will give you all the strength to go through this with your husband and I pray that if and when it gets harder you will not lose faith not your trust in our Lord and Saviour. Remember He is our Saviour and He will be with you.
Thanks for your comments everyone. Man, I feel like the person who complained that she had no shoes until she saw someone who had no feet. I have a long commute to work (2+ hr commute round trip) and many things at work that are hard to deal with. These issues are nothing compared to what some of you are dealing with. I try to be compassionate with the people who come in the gym (I'm a fitness trainer)and, that's not too hard. It's a little harder for me to be compassionate with people on the bus going home. I'm tired, and I just want to get home. I try to remind myself that Jesus loves those people too who are holding up the bus etc. I can see I have room for improvement.
Praying for Janice. I've seen God use people who suffer be more helpful + fruitful than those who have not gone through the same trial. God be with you Janice to build a relationship with the student and teacher to comfort and bring them closer to Jesus.