When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 14:13-14

Explain

Jesus had human relationships, and experienced everything that we experience and yet was without sin.  In this passage it struck me that when His cousin, John, died, Jesus got away.  He departed.  He left.  He got alone “into a desert placed apart”.  Did he love the desert place?  It ensured His solitude at some level, at least that seemed to be the point.  Yet, what do you see here?  You see the crowd following Him out.  

You and I might be frustrated at this moment.

• Don’t you know my family member was unjustly executed?

• Don’t you see I’m trying to get alone?

• Can’t I have a few minutes to myself?

But notice Jesus’ response:

He “was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.”

Application

Sometimes we can get worn out in ministry, but we must remember why we do what we do.  It is not wrong to take a break.  We must get alone and spend time with God.  Yet, at the same time, we must remember our mission.  We must remember why we are here.  It is also necessary for us to spend ourselves in making a difference in the lives of people.

Response

• Who is someone that needs compassion today?