Injustice happens. We all can think of examples. There are too many times in life that we look at a situation and know that it’s just not right. Jesus experienced that same problem in his lifetime, too.
When John the Baptist was beheaded it was a tragic miscarriage of justice. It was blatant abuse of power. It was petty bitterness. It was stupid lustfulness. It was so many bad things that came together at that moment that all we can do is shake our heads in sorrow and disgust.
When Jesus learned that John had been executed he went off to a “desolate place.” (ESV) The Greek word means “the desert,” or “an uninhabited region.” In the face of grief, Jesus wanted to be alone for a while. The injustice and pain of this world brings separation and loneliness into our lives. What Jesus does here, shows us that sometimes it’s okay for us to go be alone for a while, recognizing that we’re not really going to be alone . . . but that’s getting ahead of myself.
Jesus’ did not get to be alone, though did he. He wanted to get away, but the crowds recognized him and got there ahead of him. Now, I don’t know about you, but I think I’d have been pretty ticked off when I saw that. Jesus however is filled with compassion. These are his people. He loves them. Sometimes the needs of others supersede our need to be alone. People matter. (And by the way you are a “people” and you matter, too, so this isn’t a prescription to let people walk all over you.)
He heals them. He feeds them. He sees to their basic needs.
(One thing I find intriguing in the text here: It says Jesus went to the desert, but in v 19 it says he had them sit down “on the grass.” Could this be a reference to Isaiah 35:1? “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.”)
Then he sends them away. Jesus finally gets his time to be alone, but not be alone. It isn’t that he wants to be by himself. He wants to be with the Father in prayer.
When we face the trials and struggles of the world it is natural and even right to want to get away. This world is not our home and we should long to leave it and go home. We need this time to be with our Father, our Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in His Word. We need this time to rest in his unfailing love, because we are still on our journey through dry desert places. This is like sitting down on the grass to be fed by Jesus; an oasis as we travel home.
In the mean time – just as the disciples found their journey to dangerous as they crossed the lake – our journey is dangerous, too. There are times that we will step out in faith to go where Jesus calls us, and we, like Peter, will see the wind and the waves. The troubles and trials of this world will beat at us. And like Peter, we will take our eyes off Jesus, and we will sink. But notice two things that are important for our trip:
1. When Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus’ hand was there immediately. Immediately.
2. Peter did walk on the water.
Jesus will never leave us alone, and he will do great things through us to help people know, love and follow Him. Do not be overwhelmed by this world. But when you are, remember Matthew 14 and see how Jesus faced those troubles and what he did for his disciples that day.
Lord Jesus, thank you for experiencing the pain of injustice during your life. Thank you for having real emotions and needing time to be with your Father alone. Sometimes when I’m hurting I run away from your presence. Help me to remember, as Psalm 139 says, there is nowhere that I can flee from you. Then help me to cling to You and Your promises so that as I travel this life, I will share Your hope with others. Amen.
When John the Baptist was beheaded it was a tragic miscarriage of justice. It was blatant abuse of power. It was petty bitterness. It was stupid lustfulness. It was so many bad things that came together at that moment that all we can do is shake our heads in sorrow and disgust.
When Jesus learned that John had been executed he went off to a “desolate place.” (ESV) The Greek word means “the desert,” or “an uninhabited region.” In the face of grief, Jesus wanted to be alone for a while. The injustice and pain of this world brings separation and loneliness into our lives. What Jesus does here, shows us that sometimes it’s okay for us to go be alone for a while, recognizing that we’re not really going to be alone . . . but that’s getting ahead of myself.
Jesus’ did not get to be alone, though did he. He wanted to get away, but the crowds recognized him and got there ahead of him. Now, I don’t know about you, but I think I’d have been pretty ticked off when I saw that. Jesus however is filled with compassion. These are his people. He loves them. Sometimes the needs of others supersede our need to be alone. People matter. (And by the way you are a “people” and you matter, too, so this isn’t a prescription to let people walk all over you.)
He heals them. He feeds them. He sees to their basic needs.
(One thing I find intriguing in the text here: It says Jesus went to the desert, but in v 19 it says he had them sit down “on the grass.” Could this be a reference to Isaiah 35:1? “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.”)
Then he sends them away. Jesus finally gets his time to be alone, but not be alone. It isn’t that he wants to be by himself. He wants to be with the Father in prayer.
When we face the trials and struggles of the world it is natural and even right to want to get away. This world is not our home and we should long to leave it and go home. We need this time to be with our Father, our Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in His Word. We need this time to rest in his unfailing love, because we are still on our journey through dry desert places. This is like sitting down on the grass to be fed by Jesus; an oasis as we travel home.
In the mean time – just as the disciples found their journey to dangerous as they crossed the lake – our journey is dangerous, too. There are times that we will step out in faith to go where Jesus calls us, and we, like Peter, will see the wind and the waves. The troubles and trials of this world will beat at us. And like Peter, we will take our eyes off Jesus, and we will sink. But notice two things that are important for our trip:
1. When Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus’ hand was there immediately. Immediately.
2. Peter did walk on the water.
Jesus will never leave us alone, and he will do great things through us to help people know, love and follow Him. Do not be overwhelmed by this world. But when you are, remember Matthew 14 and see how Jesus faced those troubles and what he did for his disciples that day.
Lord Jesus, thank you for experiencing the pain of injustice during your life. Thank you for having real emotions and needing time to be with your Father alone. Sometimes when I’m hurting I run away from your presence. Help me to remember, as Psalm 139 says, there is nowhere that I can flee from you. Then help me to cling to You and Your promises so that as I travel this life, I will share Your hope with others. Amen.
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