Our Quick Devotion this morning comes from Matthew 14:13-21
Summary: Jesus is grieved over the passing of John the Babtist, yet even in the midst of his own pain he’s moved with compassion for the crowd that chases him down. He cares for their physical needs and not only heals the sick, but also feeds the huge crowd!
13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”
16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Questions & Challenge:
1. What is the biggest challenge you’re facing at the moment?
2. Pray and ask Jesus to either remove the challenge or give you the strength, grace and faith to overcome and grow through it. Thank him for his past faithfulness and take a moment to feel his great love and compassion for you as his daughter/son who he created in his own image!
3. Who is in front of you that needs your compassion and/or help at this very moment even though, like Jesus, you may be trying to get away to deal with your own pain?