A direct challenge from Jesus
Jesus’s Compassion for the Crowds
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Now when Jesus heard this he went away from there privately in a boat to an isolated place. But when the crowd heard about it, they followed him on foot from the towns. As he got out he saw the large crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:13-14 (NET)
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I like to highlight verses that tap into my own weaknesses.
Let’s call it “self-deprecating humility.”
Or maybe it’s shoring up my own deficiencies to make me more and more like Christ.
Regardless, what amazes me about this passage is Jesus’s willingness to be interrupted by the crowd -- and His compassion for them when that happens.
The Lord gifted me with an above average intelligence, but my compassion is very, very low.
Also, I don’t like interruptions.
I like to make plans for my day and I hate it when things come along that interrupt those plans.
Here we have the creator of the universe making plans and then being interrupted.
Which is astounding in its own right.
But instead of berating the crowd or giving them a cursory little speech and sending them on their way, Jesus slows down and helps them. Right then and there.
This is an example of faithful obedience that I need to take to heart.
Am I willing to be flexible to the leading of the Holy Spirit -- even when it interrupts my plans?
Oof!
Right in the heart.
And a good challenge for me.
Maybe a good challenge for you too?
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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