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When He Heard, He Departed (Matthew 14:1-13)

Introductory Thoughts

Life is full of pressures. At times, these pressures are so overwhelming that a man must get alone. The Lord Jesus cared dearly for his cousin John. When He learned of John’s death, He was so moved at the event that He desired to get away and be alone. According to the scripture, He got in a ship and departed “into a desert place apart” (Matthew 14:13). If the Lord Jesus dealt with a difficult event in His life by departing and seeking some quiet rest time, it would be wise for Christians to consider the same thing. Life will present difficult situations. The only viable solution will, at times, involve taking a step back and regrouping mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Devotional Thoughts

  • (For children): When the following men heard unpleasant news, they got alone with God to heal, and mend, and get courage to go on: Jacob (Genesis 32:6-7, 9-11, 22-24); David (1 Samuel 30:3-6); Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:14). Before Jesus became sin for us, He at times needed to be alone (Matthew 26:36-44).
  • (For everyone): Have you recently endured heartrending events? Have you taken the necessary quiet time and rest to properly recover?
  • When the Lord sought to depart and find a time of rest, the people heard of His departure and followed Him. What will likely happen when you seek a time of rest and quiet?

Prayer Thoughts

  • Ask God to help you get your alone time.
  • Thank God for ministering to you in your times of need.

Song

DOES JESUS CARE?