13 When Jesus heard what had happened [to John the Baptist], he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14

There are two events going on here at once. Jesus was grieving the loss of his relative and friend, John the Baptist. Think of how you grieve the loss of a loved one and you can get a sense of what that’s like.

His solitude was abruptly interrupted by needy and self-absorbed people. They wanted His help and they wanted it now.

The Bible doesn’t say how much time Jesus had alone. Perhaps He had just enough time to reflect and grieve and “recharge” before ministering again.

But Jesus did what Jesus does best: He had compassion on the people who came to Him for help.

He was embodying the verse in Philippians 2:3:

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Many reading this are in need of the ministering hand of Jesus. You’re tired and broken down, and life has thrown curve ball after curve ball.

We don’t have to go to a meeting or a church to have Jesus minister to us.

No, we can – right where we are – call out to Him.

He is no longer confined to human flesh dealing with one need at a time. He can minister to millions simultaneously.

He is waiting for us to call out to Him, so that He can have compassion on us.

Don’t put it off thinking He’s too busy with crazy problems in the world. He’s in total control of those too.

Reach out to Him today.

Tell Him your woes and worries.