“Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:13-14
Jesus upon hearing of John’s death was saddened. He felt so sad that he had to get away by himself and be alone. Who knows what he felt, and how he prayed while on the boat. Certainly, his own fast-approaching death must have weighed heavily on his heart. His emotions were apparently so strong he had to withdraw for a time. Yet, what takes place next shows that rather than his sorrow leading to self-pity, it led to compassion. I have such a hard time understanding how sorrow can exist without self-pity. Praise God that Jesus is perfect and was able to experience sorrow without sin or self-pity!
When Jesus returns to shore he is not irritated, annoyed, or angry that the multitudes clamored after him. Had self-pity been resident in his heart, like it would be in mine, his response would have been resentment rather than compassion. Instead His response to the needy multitude was compassion. This is astounding to me. Here at a low point emotionally, with massive neediness foisted upon Him, He responded with heartfelt compassion! What a man! How merciful, loving, and strong is my Lord Jesus!
Could it be that sorrow, when filtered and comforted by the grace of God, is among the chief means by which God produces true compassion in the heart of his saints? 2 Corinthians 6:10 says that Paul was and his companions were “sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” I must confess that I have not very often had this experience. For me lack of pain equals more rejoicing and felt sorrow equals despondency. Not so for Jesus, and perhaps, if by grace He changes my heart, not so for me.
O Lord, please change my heart. I don’t want to be morose, yet I do want to feel the way I ought to feel with regard to sorrow, yet always be rejoicing in you. Perhaps, that I might be a vessel through which the God of all comfort can strengthen the faith of his saints that they might rejoice more deeply in the glory of God, and in the excellence of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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