Jesus shows compassion!
Scripture reading for April 25th: Matthew 14, Psalm 82, Proverbs 20
Matthew 14: 13-16 “Now when Jesus heard this, He withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by Himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed Him on foot from the towns. When He went ashore He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.””
God the Father’s heart of compassion was on full display through His Son Jesus. Jesus had just been told of His cousin John the Baptist’s death at the hands of Herod. He withdrew to a lonely place for solitude, but crowds of people ran to where He was going. They had great need of healing and encouragement because they all lived under the cruel reign of Herod. Jesus took time to be with them and minister to them. When the day was nearly gone, the disciples suggested that Jesus send them away for food. Jesus had other plans that put the burden of their need for food in His disciples hands. Taking the little that they came up with, Jesus blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to distribute. A miracle of compassion flowed through His disciples as they gave out the bread and fish. God’s heart was revealed!
Psalm 82:3-4 “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your heart of compassion for the hurting, the sick, the needy and the poor, including orphans and widows. Challenge me and Your followers to show compassion by praying for the sick and hurting, feeding the hungry, and giving Good News to those in despair and darkness. Uphold Your Glorious Throne through acts of covenant love flowing through Your servants.
Proverbs 20:23 “Steadfast love and faithfulness reserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.”
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