The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted. So he had John beheaded in prison. The head was brought in on a plate and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came, carried away his body, and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.

When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their towns and followed him by land. Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 14:9-14

Even though Jesus was heart broken at the death of his cousin and disciple John the Baptist, he still put his own needs away and ministered to the masses. Could you do the same? Jesus wanted to be alone, but he ended up serving five thousand. He wanted quiet and solitude so He could pray, but He got people who were hungry. He provided for their needs, and placed them above His own grief. When Jesus had a problem He went to a lonely place to pray. Do you have such a place to go and pray?

Even when it seems that no one cares, our God cares. He sent His Son Jesus to help us and save us. He put His spirit in us to help us. He does understand the depths of our misery because He is in us. He will give us love, consolation, and the strength we need to get through our own grief.

Because God cares for us, we can care for others.

Our Daily Bread – April 3, 2002