Matthew 14:15-21
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.
As we continue to watch the events following the death of John the Baptist unfold, recall yesterday’s passage and anything you took away from it. Then read Matthew 14:15-21 taking note of anything that stands out to you.
Though Jesus set out to be alone, he is ready and willing to minister to the massive crowds of desperate people. We can safely assume that soon he will make time for his own well-being, but he is so open to the activity of God that he is able to respond and engage in this moment even in the midst of his own personal challenges.
Take a moment to compare Jesus’ actions to your own. Are you taking regular time to be alone with God for the well-being of your soul? Are you aware enough of God’s activity that you know when to allow interruptions and when to set firm boundaries around your time with God?
Share your thoughts about this with Jesus.
Read Matthew 14:15-21 again imagining you are there hearing the conversation between Jesus and his disciples and witnessing the baskets as they continue to be filled.
In Jesus there is always enough. There is enough time, enough provision, enough peace. If we were perfectly able to be in tune with Jesus all the time, we would never lack for any of these. But we are faulty people living in a broken world, and we aren’t always fully awake to the realities of the Kingdom of God that are present when Jesus is there.
At the end of Jesus’ provision in this story, there is a basket of food left over for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. God’s provision for God’s people has been made manifest through Jesus.
For the last minutes of this time of meditation, sit with the idea that Jesus is enough. Start by praying, “Jesus, you are enough” over and over. Then begin to talk and listen to Jesus letting the conversation flow naturally.
If at any point you sense Jesus inviting you to take some sort of action, write it down. Then take a first step in that direction today.
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