You Want Me to Do What? (Matthew 14:13)

When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick . . . And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.

Matthew 14:13,14,19

• Maybe you had an extra full day at work.
• Maybe your entire Saturday was overflowing with Honey-do this and Honey-do that that you really didn’t want to do.
• Maybe you had a flat tire in the rain.

Whatever came before the request for assistance, you’re in no mood to take care of anyone—you just want a breather. Some time to rest and recover. Some time for yourself. You’ve had a bad day and have nothing left in the tank for your neighbor’s needs.

But then your eyes are opened when you consider one of Jesus’ worst days ever.

He was Jesus’ only true friend, a fellow faithful follower of GOD’s commands, a worker in the vineyard, and his courageous cousin. And John was executed at the whim of a cowardly adulterer. Incomparable sadness, loneliness, and depression were at the door when throngs of sickly, desperate, and even selfish Israelites came to ask for more.

They followed only because he was a healer—they cared not a whit about the message that came with their newfound happiness and health.

“You want me to do what?” he demanded with a scowl, as a haggardly hungry man asked for help. “I don’t have anything for you. Leave me alone. Go away.” This is not the savior we know—it’s the man in the mirror. But thanks be to our FATHER, we have instead the picture of a faithful response given by the King who inherited His crown by submitting and serving.

After hearing of John’s death

• Jesus fed and healed thousands—despite a longing to be on a high hill in communion with only GOD Almighty.
• He had compassion on the crowd when he needed to mourn.
• He taught and encouraged when he needed silence.
• He loved and forgave while hatred and jealousy were having their way with his friend.

Let’s join Jesus in this picture.

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