Going Out Of Our Way

Jesus must have been exhausted that long-ago evening we see sketched in Matthew 14. "There he is!" Voices echoed across the water as a long stream of people made their way around the lake. The disciples groaned. They had seen the pain in their Master's eyes. They, too, were weary from the demands of the day. Surely they deserved a little rest. "Let's send them away," one of the disciples suggested to Jesus. But Jesus said no. Instead of sending the people away, Jesus "had compassion on them and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). He moved past his own neediness and loved them. He did what he could do to help them. And then, if that wasn't enough, he provided dinner for the hungry crowd. He laid aside his hurt so he could pick up their pain. He laid aside his wishes so he could become their one Desire. He laid aside his agenda so he could meet all of their needs. And that is the essence of ministry that goes out of it way. It puts self aside and reaches out in true compassion. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")