Purpose through difficulty

"And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14)

In the first few verses of Matthew chapter 14 we find that Jesus learns of the beheading of John the Baptist. John was, not only the forerunner of Jesus, he was also a family member. He was the cousin born just six months prior to Jesus. I wonder how many times they played together as little children running around the fields in the dust and playing with the sheep and other little kids around them. I wonder how many times as teenagers they worked by the sweat of their brows doing work for their families. I wonder if Jesus had ever out whittled John?

Needless to say, I believe Jesus and John had a special relationship and when Jesus heard of the passing of John the Bible says; "He departed to a deserted place by Himself" (vs 13). Jesus had to spend some time in mourning for his friend, his cousin, his fellow minister. Jesus had suffered a loss in his family and no doubt was hurting inside. But, I want to bring to our attention the focus Jesus had on His purpose. In the moments of sorrow, Jesus saw a multitude of people that were hungry. The disciples told Jesus to let them go home, the hour was late, and the place they were at was deserted. There wasn't enough food to go around.

Jesus shows us in His circumstance of personal difficulty how to continue with purpose. Jesus saw their need, had compassion, and ministered to them. With only two fish and five loaves of bread, 5000 men, plus many women and children ate till they were full and left baskets of food behind. This is an example, to me, that no matter my circumstance I need to be about the Father's business. When difficulty of life comes my way, I need to continue to live with purpose. Struggles and difficulties are part of life and we must remember to take time for them, but also allow God to continue to work in us and through us for His purpose. Let's live with purpose no matter the circumstance we face and be pleasing to the Father.