Scripture Reading: Matthew 14: 13-21; 15:29-39
It was just after the death of John the Baptist. John’s disciples went and told Jesus of their great sorrow. Their grief touched the heart of their Master, and He withdrew, seeking a little season of quiet. The best comforter in our times of trouble is God, and when our hearts are sore we can do nothing so wise as to flee into the secret of His presence.
Jesus went out in a boat to cross the lake. But the people saw the boat departing and flocked around the lake to meet Him on the other side. He had not been long in His quiet retreat when the multitude began to gather, eager to see Him. Although He was seeking rest, His compassion drew Him to the people that He might help them.
It was always thus that Jesus carried people’s sorrows. When He looked upon the great throng who had flocked after Him and saw among them so many suffering ones — lame, sick, blind, palsied — His compassion was stirred. When we remember that Jesus was the Son of God, these revealings of His compassion are wonderful. It comforts us to know that there is the same compassion yet in the breast of the risen Christ in glory. He did not lose His tenderness of heart when he was exalted to heaven. We are told that as our High Priest He is touched by ever sorrow of ours. Every wrong that we suffer reaches Him. Every sorrow of ours thrills through His heart. It was not their hunger, their poverty, their sickness, nor any of their earthly wants that appeared to Him their greatest trouble, but their spiritual needs. Our worst misfortunes are not what we call calamities. Many people may seem prosperous in our eyes, and yet when Christ looks upon them He is moved with compassion, because they are like sheep with no heavenly Shepherd.
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