February 24th | Matthew 14

Sometimes, when we read the Bible, the headings are super helpful, and we can be tempted to read them in chunks without paying attention to how they are connected to the next section. But, the Bible is a story, and chapter 14 of Matthew tells this tragic event under the heading The Death of John the Baptist:

Jesus was drawing more fame throughout the area due to his teaching and miracles. Because John the Baptist was proclaiming Jesus as Lord, Herod had put him in prison. While in prison, Herod had a birthday party, and Herodias' daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although the text says Herod “was sorry,” he still gives in to the girl's demand. This section ends with verse 12, “And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.”

You would think this story is over because the heading changes in the next verses to Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand. But don’t miss how these stories are connected. Verse 13 says, “Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him.” What this is referring to is his cousin John’s death. Can you imagine the pain Jesus felt? Jesus was fully human, and can’t you just imagine the immense pain he was feeling? He was sad. He wanted to get away from life for just a little bit and escape reality. So, he withdrew. BUT because of his fame, he couldn’t escape. People had flocked to him- so much so a crowd of five thousand people gathered. And instead of demanding that they leave and give him time to get himself together, HE SERVES THEM. 

Don’t miss this! 

Do you see how from even early on, Jesus was laying down his life for others? When he could have been selfish and taken a moment to himself- he chose to be selfless and lay down his life as a servant for the task God had called him to. Despite his sad circumstances, he chose a life of sacrifice and obedience to the Father. If Jesus had chosen his selfish desires to retreat and be alone, we could have missed the opportunity to see the miracle of the feeding of 5,000.

Could we miss out on opportunities to serve and see God at work because we are too caught up in our selfish, self-serving desires? When life presses in on you, when trials and temptations come- look how God could be allowing you to be used by him.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 4:2