Good morning people who give beyond themselves

Matthew 14:12-14 John’s disciples came and took his (John the Baptist) body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin. Jesus loved John the Baptist and He knew John’s ministry was instrumental in identifying His own ministry to others. Jesus had a soft spot for John.

So it’s in this context that Jesus, after hearing the terrible news of John’s execution, withdrew to a solitary place. Jesus would have felt the loss. I’m sure it was a similar feeling to when Lazarus died and Jesus wept with Mary and Martha.

In the midst of His own pain of loss and His desire to be alone in prayer, Jesus was met by a large crowd of needy people.

So what did He feel and what did He do?

Jesus was moved with compassion for the people and He healed their sick!

Jesus never denied His own feelings. We see this clearly here and in the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus withdrew for some alone time and also asked His Father if there was another way.

But He didn’t allow those feelings to have the final say. His life was lived for others above His own feelings and comfort. Jesus truly loved selflessly.

I think Jesus is a great example to us; we can still serve and love others while going through difficulty ourselves.