
13-14When Jesus got the news (that John was dead*), he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully—someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was. When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick.
15Toward evening the disciples approached him. “We’re out in the country and it’s getting late. Dismiss the people so they can go to the villages and get some supper.”
16But Jesus said, “There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper.”
17“All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish,” they said.
18-21Jesus said, “Bring them here.” Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to the congregation. They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand were fed. -Matthew 14
*my addition
You get news that one of your best friends has died. You try to slip away to do whatever; mourn, cry your eyes out, miss him, and people who need what you have follow you to this solitary spot. You’re just trying to start getting over the loss of your friend.
For me, the story would split here. I’d tell these selfish <bleep>ers to leave me alone, don’t they know my friend just died (by losing his head, no less)?
But not Jesus. He’s “overcome with pity” and heals the sick.
It doesn’t end there. Later that day, he blesses the fish and bread that feeds the 5000. I’d still be in lockdown mode, flinging cuss words at anyone who dared get within 100′ of me.
But not Jesus. He feeds them all. And there’s leftovers.
The path to healing is not self-help but self-sacrifice. Left to my own devices, I’d shirk the sick, ignore the poor, make fun of the downtrodden and elevate myself to a status I don’t deserve.
But not Jesus.
He deserved an elevated status. Instead, he took part in his own upside down Kingdom. He became last when he deserved to be first.
And yet, you and I continue to think we deserve first.
And the crazy part I may never wrap my head around?
So does Jesus.
Father, you continue to amaze and surprise. Show me my place at the back of the line, the bottom of the barrel, so that I may truly serve, fully relying on Christ to lift me up. Thank you for remembering me. Forgive me for forgetting you. Amen.