Matthew 14

“And when He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and felt compassion for them” (v14). Jesus’ cousin and friend John the Baptist had just been murdered by Herod. Jesus heard the news and “withdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place” (v13), apparently experiencing the same sorrow and anger any of us might feel. Grieving, He looked at the crowd who followed Him and understood the burdens they carried.

God came into our world and felt the distress of being human. He sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers mercy and grace “to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).