“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. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered. ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 14:13-21)
This is a story about the compassion of Jesus.
He had compassion for John the Baptist and when news of John’s death reached Him, He needed to be alone to deal with His own grief and loss. When those He loves hurt, Jesus hurts, too!
He had compassion on the crowds who followed Him to the solitary place. His need was to be alone, but His compassion compelled Him to help those who come needing help. He gave of Himself even when he did not feel like it. When those He loves are in need, Jesus doesn’t leave them alone -- He is there to help.
He had compassion on the crowd when they grew hungry. He could have easily and justifiably sent them away to find food for themselves, but He did not. He saw their need and responded with a miracle to provide for them.
And these stories of His compassion also affirm that He has compassion for us and, seeing our need, He moves to our help, too!
His, by Grace,
Steve
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