Matthew 14:16 NASB1995 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”
In our text, Jesus had just found out that John the Baptist had left this earth. Jesus had compassion and was sad for His loss. We know Jesus hurt for people. He wept for Lazarus. He healed many. Scripture shows us that Jesus is all about life. He is all about both physical and eternal life. So when His dear friend and family member, John the Baptist, died, He went away to be alone with His disciples. Instead of being alone even more people came seeking Jesus. Scripture says He had compassion on them. Once again we see the heart of Jesus was for the people and for their life. He healed those who were sick. Jesus' life on this earth was focused on others. He wept for them, cared for them, healed them, loved them, fed them, taught them, and even died for them. Jesus taught His followers to do the same. In our text, the disciples showed some compassion by asking Jesus to send them away so they could find something to eat. However, Jesus taught them that care also meant sacrifice, care also meant action, care also meant faith in God, and care meant giving. Jesus told them, "They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat." Jesus was teaching them that concern is not enough!
The Church, many years ago, decided the best way to care for people was to give money and tell them about Jesus. Then they decided the best way to care for people was to just give money. Some people realized that without Jesus, there was no care, so they reinserted, telling people about Jesus, but they stopped giving money. Now people have just stopped caring! In fact, they decided it was better for the government to care for people than the church. Gradually life no longer became important. If people can't care for themself then just let them die. If they suffernthen assist them in death. If someone makes you mad, kill them, and if a life interferes with your life, then we will stop calling it murder and call it abortion.
None of these follow the teaching of God through the life of His Son.
If you truly care, then your care will include sacrifice, action, faith in God, and giving.
If we want to follow Jesus' teaching we must stop thinking of me and get active in caring for others. Their greatest need is Jesus but they also need physical care. Jesus provided both even when it meant not taking time for Himself!
What a lesson He taught, and the Church today needs to learn it again.
I need to learn it again. What about you?
Love Bro. Scott