Matthew 14 The death of John the Baptist...jealousy, bitterness, foolishness, sensuality.. all came to a head at Herod's birthday celebration.  The news came to Jesus from John's disciples.  Jesus withdrew from the crowd to be by Himself.. but the crowd just followed Him anyway. 

Instead of insisting on His own right to a time of grief, Jesus had compassion on the crowd and "healed their sick".  Even when it became late and the disciples wanted to send the crowd away, Jesus went one step further  and multiplied the 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed all of the 5000 men plus woman and children. 

Finally, Jesus sent the disciples away on the boat and sent the crowd away.. able to go up into the mountain by Himself to pray. Alone. 

Later He would walk on the water... summon Peter onto the waves.. save him from drowning.. stop the wind and bring them to Gennesaret.  This time Jesus was not sent away from the area but the people gathered around Him and brought the sick to Him to heal. 

So many sides of this One who is the  Son of God and Son of Man are revealed in this chapter.. the genuine sorrow of losing John, the compassion on a crowd that would not let Him escape their neediness,, the concern for His own disciples.. the power to take a little and feed a multitude.. the supernatural ability to walk on water.. and the exhortation to Peter to have no more doubts.. 

We feel as if our struggles are sometimes too much to bear.. but they are not.. for even on the worst day.. Jesus still shares our burdens!  He knows our sorrows. He has compassion on our neediness. He is concerned for our well-being.. He has the power to provide for all who will follow Him.  He does the impossible.. and He exhorts us to stop doubting.. 

Father, let our faith be multiplied.. let our love for Jesus our dear Lord fill our lives and overflow into the world that needs to know Him. Have Your way in our lives and help us to be ready for whatever You have for us today.. girded with Truth, covered with His righteousness, shielded by faith with salvation on our heads and peace on our feet.  We take up the sword of Your Spirit who lives in us.. firmly wielding the Word of God so that we might stand firm against the darkness.  Let the Name of Jesus be magnified in Your people today, Amen.