Matthew – Chapter 14

But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:16 – As you read this passage you see few familiar stories like the story of Jesus calming the seas after Peter walked on the water. The story that our verse is connected to is the one where Jesus feeds the 5000. After following Jesus for a while it was getting late and the location they were in was far from any place to get food, so the disciples suggested to Jesus to send the people away so they can find the food that they need. Above is Jesus’ response, they don’t need to go away. Understand how powerful that statement is. Yes, they were in a spot of hunger and desolation, but the way to handle that reality doesn’t have to be departing from Jesus. When life gets difficult we don’t have to leave Jesus to find what we need somewhere else. Jesus is showing us through this story certainly His power in being able to multiply the fish and loaves, but also displaying this powerful truth that we never need to leave His side. Jesus is able to take care of us when life is flowing smoothly, yet He is also able to calm the stormy seas in life too. And even when the seas are stormy and the land is desolate and you are running on empty, Jesus is still the One we can remain by. He has everything we need, so never find yourself turning to another place to find what He offers. This world loves to convince us that a godly life could never offer you what it can, yet see the truth displayed for us in this scripture. Whether our boat is about to be destroyed in the storm or we are exhausted and depleted, Jesus is the true place to stay by and find all we need. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3336

Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Matthew 14:19 – This is what faith looks like. Jesus, while seeing the crowd of thousands and seeing the small amount of food available, chose to give thanks to the Father for the little in the midst of needing a lot. He realized that all things come come the Father and what was needed in that moment would come from Him to. You may as well be in the midst of needing a lot. All you see is the little that’s been given to you. I encourage you to pray and give thanks for the little you’ve been given and if it’s where God is leading, move forward trusting He’ll provide. For the disciples the basket loads of food weren’t there at the begin of the journey, but the provision came as they followed Jesus’ directions. That’s how it most often works with us too. Have faith that God will provide as you serve Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 868

He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:10-12 – Why didn’t Jesus raise John from the dead? Last Sunday I had the blessing to preach on the story of the triumphal entry where Jesus and His disciples came into the city of Jerusalem and the city flocked to Jesus to worship and welcome Him. Yet why did they flock to Jesus? Because those who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the tomb shared what they had seen with everyone in the city and the news ignited a movement to begin towards Jesus. That makes our question even more important, if Jesus could raise John and possibly that miracle would have ignited the city for Him, why didn’t He? I don’t know. Yes, Jesus easily could have, and yes, most likely that miracle would have caused a strong movement towards Jesus. Why He didn’t, I don’t know for sure. What I do know is Jesus is always good and always does what will give the Father the most glory. In our limited view of the situation it’s hard for us to see how Jesus’ choices would be good or give God the most glory, but from His view that’s what He sees. Trust Jesus then all the more in seasons where you know Jesus has the power to do something yet doesn’t. Trust He sees more than we do of the situation. Trust He knows what is truly good and what will give the Father the most glory. Seek to be content with the end result of Jesus’ actions being God receiving glory and not you receiving your request. For when God is gloried in our midst and our hearts are after that, there is where we will find the deepest blessings and the most fulfillment in our story. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1964