Grief Interrupted

In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus is broken hearted from both a personal rejection and personal loss. Understandably, he just wants to get away and cry and pray and recharge. But people get wind of the location of his retreat and chase him on foot to be near him. And here we see one of the clearest windows into the heart of our Messiah. In a moment of deep grief and exhaustion, he’s asked for more. Rather than resentment, Jesus swells with compassion, and invites the people to stay, where he teaches and heals them. Then, because they are in a remote location without food, he feeds them. 5,000+ mouths! This is the Son of God, the Servant King, worthy of all praise.