January 24

Matthew 15: 29-39

There are five truths we discover when reading this passage.

Obviously, one of the first truths we find in this passage is Jesus’ compassion for the crowd who followed Him into the wilderness. I think it’s safe to assume that when Jesus retreated to the Sea of Galilee, it was probably an attempt to get some much needed rest. Yet, shortly thereafter, the desperate multitude pushed through to see Him. And He didn’t turn them away. Even though He was no doubt tired, Jesus healed them. Sometimes, in order to meet with Him, we must go into the wilderness. There, secluded from all the distractions of our I-phones and emails, Jesus has our full attention. When we follow Him into the wilderness, He is there waiting. He is eager to renew, rebuild and restore our lives, just as He was for the multitude.
The second truth we uncover as we read on is Jesus’ response to our needs is never aggravation, but deep-seated compassion. This truth is emitted in Jesus’ character throughout Scripture. Jesus said, “All whom the Father gives to me will come to Me and he who comes to Me, I will never cast away. “ Matthew 15:32 is so revealing in this facet of Christ’s nature. Let’s read it again together, “Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry or they will faint along the way.” That verse sums up perfectly the third truth revealed in this passage. Jesus will never send us away hungry. In fact, not only will He meet our present needs, but He will equip us for the journey! When we come to Him, whatever we receive from Him will always be enough to sustain and strengthen us.
The fourth truth we see is Jesus uses the little we give to Him in faith to meet to the needs of those surrounding us. Jesus asked the disciples, “How much do you have?” They replied, “Seven loaves and a few small fish.” They didn’t sound to confident in what they had to give. Yet once given to Jesus, He took it and blessed it. What “little” do you have to offer Him? He cannot bless it until you hand it over.
One of the last and most powerful truths disclosed in this passage is that Jesus uses our hands and feet to accomplish miracles.
We read in verse 35 that Jesus called upon the disciples to distribute the food. Can you imagine how nervous they must have been?! They might have been thinking, “What if there isn’t enough for everyone?” They may have even formulated an exit strategy just in case the crowd of thousands became hostile in their hunger! But what happened? “They all ate as much as they wanted…”, Matthew 15:37.
Jesus is so, so good. His heart is towards you and He sees the multitudes that you will touch thoughout your life. I encourage you to come to Him with an unveiled face. He will meet all of your needs, yes there will even be overflow in your life. I also exhort you to give what little you have and when asked to distribute, do not be afraid.

In awe of Him,

Lauryn Everett