Matthew 14: 13 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.
Jesus has just learned that John the Baptist, his cousin, Elijah himself, has been murdered by Herod. How much this news must have affected him! He feels it on a personal as well as a prophetic level. He tries to get away, but the people follow, and he heals them, as they knew he would.
I'm thinking about the grief and sense of doom that must have enveloped Jesus. He just wanted to get away, to pray and communicate with his Father. But, no, there are always needy people. And Jesus got up and did what needed to be done. That's who he was, and is.
Prayer: Lord, I feel for Jesus as he grieved, for all of us really. He knew the sacrifice that would have to be made for us. I'm sorry for all the trouble I have caused, with my willful and sinful behavior. Forgive me.
Amen
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