“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick” (Matt. 14:14 KJV).

What do you do when bad news comes? John the Baptist is the closest person in the earth to Jesus. He is the only person who really understands who Jesus is. God showed him who Jesus was. Not only that, but he’s Jesus’ first cousin-soul-mate in the ministry. So, they bring word to Jesus how John the Baptist has been beheaded.

What is Jesus’ reply? “When Jesus heard of it he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart.” He went to be by himself. When tragedy happens it can have an impact upon your emotions. You would think that people would understand that, as close as He and John the Baptist were. But, when the people heard about, it they followed him out of the city.

Does Jesus send them away? No. “And Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion.” Now, He’s got His own troubles and problems because of what happened to John the Baptist. But, looking beyond Himself (even though He’s hurting), He is looking at the needs of others. He is moved with compassion toward them and he healed their sick.

What is He doing? He’s walking in love. He’s being moved by compassion. Compassion, Himself, is the Holy Ghost. He spent all day doing this. Then in the evening when the disciples wanted to send the people away, Jesus said, they don’t have to leave. You (disciples) give them something to eat. They said, we don’t have anything here but five loaves and two fishes. Then, on top of healing their sick and casting out devils, Jesus miraculously feeds the multitude.

Not only was the multitude fed, but the disciples were fed as well. Allowing yourself to be moved by compassion will produce results in your life, and in the lives of those that follow you.

Scripture References: Matthew 18:23-35; Psalm 145:8-10