The God of Compassion

"When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew privately to a solitary place.  Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.  When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."  Matthew 14:13,14

These words from Matthew's gospel precede the account of Jesus feeding the crowd of 5,000 from five loaves and two fish.  We've all heard Sunday School stories and sermons on this miracle, teaching that God can multiply our smallest gifts and talents when we bring them to him.  And he does; but let's look a little deeper by putting this miracle in context.

"When Jesus heard what had happened..."

What did he hear? What had happened? Matthew tells us the disciples came to tell Jesus that Herod, in drunken response to his step-daughter's request, beheaded John the Baptist and brought his head on a platter to the girl. 

"...he withdrew privately to a solitary place."

Imagine our Savior upon hearing this news. Imagine him cringing in horror and grief.  His beloved cousin John who had heralded Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world - gone by the evil whim of a drunken king.  Imagine Jesus knowing that for such depravity and wickedness of man he had come into the world.  How he must have longed to be alone with the Father, to pour out his grief and sorrow.  He withdraws...

Matthew continues the story and tells us that when Jesus stepped ashore he saw a large crowd and he "...had compassion on them and healed their sick."  It is then we read the account of Jesus feeding the 5,000.  It must have taken most of the day.  This is our Jesus, ministering and caring for the people, showing compassion for their needs even in the midst of his great sorrow.

"The LORD,  the LORD

Compassionate and gracious,slow to anger, 

abounding in love and faithfulness..." Exodus 34:6

I think its important to note that when Moses asked God to "show me your glory", God caused all of his goodness to pass by Moses and the very first word he used to describe himself when showing his glory was the word "compassionate".

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory

and the exact representation of his being."  Hebrews 1:3

God's glory is revealed in his compassion towards us.  The Son is the radiance of God's glory and perfectly reveals his compassion.

"Father, the time has come.  Glorify your Son that

your Son may glorify you."  John 17:1

The incomparable compassion of the Father and the incomparable compassion of the Son - and the glory of it all:  The Cross.