Matthew 14:13-14
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Before you begin today, recall our last meditation on the death of John the Baptist. Then read Matthew 14:13-14 remembering that Jesus has just been informed about John’s execution and is seeking some time alone with God.
We can assume that when news of his cousin’s brutal murder reaches him, Jesus experiences the same mix of emotions that any person would. He is most likely outraged that this injustice has been committed, and he is obviously grieving the death of a member of his own family. Jesus’ humanity is raw and evident in this moment, and he recognizes his need for solitude and time to process with God.
The writer of Hebrews said this of Jesus:
“…it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.” - Hebrew 2:16-17
And later in the letter to the Hebrews we read:
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15
Take some time to contemplate the fact that Jesus was fully human and experienced the same kinds of difficulties and human emotions that you experience.
Share your thoughts and reactions to this with Jesus now.
Read Matthew 14:13-14 again with all of this in mind.
In spite of his personal need for solitude, when Jesus sees the desperate crowd he has compassion on them and moves toward them in love. And Jesus is always ready to move toward you as well.
Get still and center yourself on Jesus. Call his name as you breathe deeply releasing any tension you notice in your body.
Picture Jesus waiting with open arms for you to become aware of his presence. Let this scene unfold in your imagination for a moment or two.
What might Jesus want you to learn or do because of your time with him today?
What will you do to respond to him?
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