Tag: feeding
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.”
Jesus and compassion!
Scripture reading for January 23rd: Matthew 15:29-39, Psalm 17:8-15, Proverbs 4:10-17
Compassion ministries are making a comeback in many evangelical churches. Many churches are visiting the sick and helpless, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and clothing those who are needy. These ministries have their source in the heart of Jesus Christ, Himself. Jesus was known for His compassion on hurting and hungry people. Compassion might be defined as love in action. We demonstrate true love by acting in faith to meet needs as God directs!
“Great crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at His feet: and He healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, and the lame walking and blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:30-31) Jesus showed compassion and great love by healing all who came to Him. The miracles were drawing crowds of people that all needed the message of repentance! His heart’s desire was to see them made whole so He also preached the good news of the kingdom, calling them to repent. The result was worship of God!
“Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people: they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’ “ (Matthew 15:32) The heart of Jesus is clear here in His words and following actions. He was concerned about their need for food to sustain them on their journey. He cared for them enough to do something. He asked what was available: 7 loaves of bread and a few fish. He took this and blessed it and broke it, giving it to the disciples to distribute. When all the people had eaten, seven baskets full of bread were collected! This crowd was numbered at 4000 men plus the women and children!
Compassion for the hungry and hurting is the heart of God! His greater compassion is for the souls of the lost and their eternal salvation. Compassion ministries must always be coupled with preaching the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sins. It’s the reason Jesus came and the mission that He gave His disciples and us! (Luke 19:10) (Matthew 28:18-20)