13When 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. 14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:13-14)
Thoughts: The context of the feeding of the 5,000 was Jesus tried to get off by himself. He was grieving the death of his cousin, friend, and colleague in the faith and kingdom- John. Just as Jesus wept for Nazareth, Jesus was tenderhearted and cared for the death of his friend. It is a good example- to want to grieve by going off by yourself. But the people would not leave him to grieve, and Jesus left his need to respond to theirs. In our day, many say that the minister should take care of himself/herself first or they will have nothing to give later. Jesus continually sacrificed himself and his needs for others. He had compassion on the sick, and his compassion overcame his need for grief and rest. If he shooed them away then one of the greatest miracles- confirmed in all four gospels- the feeding of the 5,000 would not have happened. In fact, one of the best things, I believe, we can do to handle depression is to get out there and help others. Compassion for others' needs is one of the best ways to overcome grief. Grief isolates us and makes us want to focus on our own wounds and hurts. But compassion calls us outside of ourselves- and is a balm of hope. When we are needed and answer a call to fulfill that need- then we are energized to continue life and the purpose God gives us.
Prayer: Lord, let me balance grief and compassion.
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