Matthew 14:1-21 - JB's Death; Feeding of 5,000 (families)

S - Matthew 14:1-21 - JB's Death; Feeding of 5,000

O - John the Baptist was beheaded because of Herodias' daughter's request after dancing at a party (egged on by mom). Herodias was his brother Philip's wife with whom he was sleeping. John's disciples got his body and buried it. Jesus was distressed over this. Got away in a boat. Large crowds came.

He ministered to them, healed, and met there needs. He did not send them away when his disciples told him to. Even in his distress he found energy to see others' needs and when they did not go hom, he fed them. 5,000 peple were fed only with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. They all "ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelves basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The humber of those who ate was about 5,000 men, BESIDES WOMEN AND CHILDREN." Wow. You know it was at least 15,000 then probably. The "5,000" was more symbolic of 5,000 families. That is intense. It would be very cool to get live footage of what that whole scene looked like, from beginning to end.

A - Jesus found energy even in his distress to give to others. He did not set a boundary for himself here. It would have been easy to send the poeple away. He did not. He did as the Spirit led, not as he felt.

God's economy is not ours. He provides when people are in need even though it seems impossible when we turn to Him. Have faith in His economy. That is part of Kingdom Thinking. "Give me your eyes for just one second. Give me your eyes so I can see. Everythingthat I keep missing. Give me your love for humanity."...

P - Lord, forgive my fleshly thoughts...my sinful nature to lean upon myself. I turn to you today. I pray for your hand. I pray for eyes to see your economy... all I have is yours. Help me to live that way. Help me to be filled with the Holy Spirit and die to self today. Give me the strength and energy I need to do the tasks you have for me this day. Amen.