Matthew 14:13-14, “When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
The news of the death of His cousin, John the Baptist, and the associated feelings of grief, could not stop Jesus Christ from responding with compassion when He saw people without faith and hope. He didn’t let His moment of mourning overshadow life’s meaning and the pursuit of His Father’s purpose in life. Instead, He turned those scars to service.
Jesus Christ knew what it was to face painful news but that could not stop Him from continuing His mission of love. The same pain that caused Him to withdraw from the crowds, drew Him to His Heavenly Father, who in turn gave Him the strength to do what was right, even in a time of great sorrow. Just like Jesus Christ, we should be motivated by the conviction to do what is right, not the convenience to do what we like, no matter the circumstances.
The road that Jesus Christ walked during His earthly ministry demonstrates that God never promises that the journey through this imperfect world will be comfortable but He promised to comfort us through the journey. Whether the journey takes us through good times or hard times, whether we face times of comfort or discomfort, His promise is to comfort you, to be with you.
While His disciples felt justified to send the crowds away hungry and empty, Jesus Christ, not only attended to their spiritual hunger but ensured their physical needs were not left unmet. So if you need the strength, courage and fortitude to do what is right, even in the midst of pain, feed from the Bread of Life and you will never hunger again.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, give us the spiritual strength to avoid the trap of distraction. Help us to do what is right in Your sight at all times so that grief will turn to gain and scars will turn to service. In Jesus’ name, amen.