January 22
Matthew 14:13-36
How do you respond to people who interrupt your schedule? Do you respond with kindness and patience; or want them to just go away? Both responses are seen in today’s reading. Jesus had just learned that his relative John had been brutally beheaded and he wanted some alone time. Whether it is because of grief, feeling emotionally drained, or just feeling tired, we can all probably understand Jesus’ desire to get away from the crowds. The problem for Jesus is that the masses would not leave him alone. Awaiting him at the edge of the shore was a massive crowd. Yet even though the crowd interrupted his plans, we are told that His response was “compassion.” In contrast, the disciples wanted Jesus to send them away.
Jesus’ compassion motivated Him to respond to the needs of the crowd. He ultimately provided food for them and did so out of His love for them. Compassion is the idea of deeply felt love or affection for someone. The Hebrew word for compassion references the idea of “womb feelings;” it describes a woman’s love for her unborn child. This parental love is what Jesus has for people. He cares deeply, and his love leads to a compassionate response. If we are going to be like Jesus, we should consider how our heart reflects this attitude. Let us cultivate the heart of Jesus for others and be willing to let people interrupt our plans.
Father God, give me your heart for people. Help me to have compassion which moves me to service and love. Amen.
How much compassion do you exhibit amidst interruptions? How can you make this a higher priority in your life?
How do you respond to people who interrupt your schedule? Do you respond with kindness and patience; or want them to just go away? Both responses are seen in today’s reading. Jesus had just learned that his relative John had been brutally beheaded and he wanted some alone time. Whether it is because of grief, feeling emotionally drained, or just feeling tired, we can all probably understand Jesus’ desire to get away from the crowds. The problem for Jesus is that the masses would not leave him alone. Awaiting him at the edge of the shore was a massive crowd. Yet even though the crowd interrupted his plans, we are told that His response was “compassion.” In contrast, the disciples wanted Jesus to send them away.
Jesus’ compassion motivated Him to respond to the needs of the crowd. He ultimately provided food for them and did so out of His love for them. Compassion is the idea of deeply felt love or affection for someone. The Hebrew word for compassion references the idea of “womb feelings;” it describes a woman’s love for her unborn child. This parental love is what Jesus has for people. He cares deeply, and his love leads to a compassionate response. If we are going to be like Jesus, we should consider how our heart reflects this attitude. Let us cultivate the heart of Jesus for others and be willing to let people interrupt our plans.
Father God, give me your heart for people. Help me to have compassion which moves me to service and love. Amen.
How much compassion do you exhibit amidst interruptions? How can you make this a higher priority in your life?
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