Daily Walk Through the New Testament

April 22

Read Matthew 14:13-36

After hearing the devastating news of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus withdrew to a deserted place to be alone with the Father. He also knew the time to go to the cross was drawing near. When He saw the great multitude of people who were following Him to that deserted place, He could have sent them away. Instead, He “was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14). He told the disciples to give them something to eat, and taking their meager 5 loaves and 2 fish, He provided enough food for everyone, with plenty left over. People in a deserted place, as the disciples called it (vs. 15), were blessed with abundance.
Did you notice that Jesus also fed the disciples as they served the multitude? God wants to minister through you whenever He ministers to you. How many people are in a “deserted place” because they won’t bring what they have — time, talents, and treasures — to Jesus and let Him multiply it?
Remember Jesus’ compassion on the crowd and that He has a heart of love and compassion for you today. And like the disciples, be willing to let God minister through you. Offer whatever you have to the Lord, and He’ll use it to bless others abundantly.