Morning Devotional 030426 Feed My Sheep

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

March 4, 2026

Matthew 14:12-21

12 But John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. 13 When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities. 14 When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick. 15 That evening, his disciples came and said to him, “This is an isolated place, and it’s getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “There’s no need to send them away. You give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish.” 18 He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them, broke the loaves apart, and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. 21 About five thousand men, women, and children had eaten.

Good Morning, Jesus feeds our souls.

Jesus has compassion for each of us in our times of need. 

Think about the beginning of this passage. Jesus has just learned of the beheading of John the Baptist, his friend, his cousin. He did a human thing and went off by himself to pray and grieve, but the crowds (not knowing any of this) arrived to hear the word and be spiritually fed. 

Despite being weary and sad, he had compassion for those who had gathered and began serving them through healing and words. It would have been understandable for Jesus to explain his situation or to simply say, “I’m done for today! Come back tomorrow!” Of course, Jesus took care of those who had come. Not just a minimal showing, but fully engaged.

We have all had those times when we just need to sit and rest, but then something comes up that requires our immediate attention. That is the time to fully lean into the strength of others, and especially God, who will raise us up to take care of those who need us. 

Life is often hard (hard is good), but we are called to live life fully. 

“Rejoice always, pray continuously, and give thanks for all things, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you!” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! Help us not give in to doing the easy thing and sending your children away until tomorrow.  We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: We are called to be the face of Christ for the world.

Jesus said, feed my sheep! Pastor Liz