Let’s follow him!
Matthew 14:13-21 describes for us the amazing miracle that Jesus did, feeding thousands of people in a remote place. It shows us his care and provision for them, even satisfaction for all! It shows us the beautiful character of our Saviour. But, let’s not miss the lesson we can learn from the crowd.
This miraculous provision was necessary because thousands of people had basically dropped everything to follow Jesus. “Let’s follow him!” They saw him leaving in a boat, and followed him on foot. “I want to be with Jesus!” So great was their desire to get to him again, that they didn’t bring sufficient food for the day. “He can heal my friend!” Thousands of people didn’t hesitate even when they got further and further from their towns, into this remote area. “I want to hear more of his teaching!”
Maybe you’ve experienced getting carried away with something really exciting, such that you forgot about lunch altogether. Just a bit more work, read a bit more, play a bit longer. Whatever their later response and actions, the crowd at this time ‘got carried away’ with Jesus. They followed. And he saw them, and had compassion, and provided.
How important is Jesus for us? Do we ever get ‘carried away’ like that crowd? “Let me read just one more chapter in the Bible!” “I’m not done talking to my Saviour and King yet!” As we’ve considered many times from earlier chapters in Matthew: he calls us to follow him, even when there’s a cost, even when it’s inconvenient. But Jesus is worth it! Oh, if only our hearts and minds and eyes would love and understand and see more of his glory – God, help us to follow Jesus!
Klaas-Jan Gunnink