2020 Daily Devotion - Day 188

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Matthew 14:13-20 RSV
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place apart. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. As he went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

There are several things to notice and appreciate in this true story from Matthew’s Gospel. First, we notice Jesus needed some “alone time”. Often, he would use this time to pray and meditate. However, this time the crowds followed Him. And then it says when He went ashore and He saw the great crowd of people, “He had compassion on them”. But it did not end with simply having empathy. For He also took action. He healed them of their sicknesses. And then when the evening had come, the disciples urged Him to send the people into the village to obtain food. But, since Jesus had “compassion” for them, He wouldn’t do it. Instead He took their simple offering of five loaves of bread and two fish, and he multiplied it and miraculously fed 5,000 people.

Whatever you are facing today, keep this story in mind. When Jesus saw the needs of the people, He had compassion for them and acted to meet their fundamental needs of healing and food. He has compassion for you and me as well. He is concerned about all of our needs being met. He will meet those practical needs, and sometimes even do so miraculously.

Pray with me:
Lord Jesus Christ, You are still in the compassion business. But it doesn’t merely end with compassion. You are taking action to meet the needs of our lives. Help us to call upon You in our time of need. For You will always hear and answer. In Your holy name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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