I am currently in the middle of reading through the Gospels, and as things would work out, I would be reading through the middle portion of Jesus’s ministry at Christmastime. Follow along as we drop in on a rather challenging turn of events that reveal both His humanity and His God-ship:
“So [Herod] sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”Matthew 14:10-14 NKJV
Focus verse:
“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 NKJV
“And healed their sick.”
Amen.
Then Jesus fed the five thousand men, not including women and children.
Then afterward,
“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”Matthew 14:22-23 NKJV
Meanwhile…
“But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.”Matthew 14:24 NKJV
Mark’s version below:
“Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.”Mark 6:47 NKJV
“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.”Matthew 14:25 NKJV
Mark’s version below:
“Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.”Mark 6:48 NKJV
That was love. Obviously Jesus was (and is) fully God, but He was also fully man. He loved His disciples so much that He met them where they were at. That meant keeping His eyes on His Father while walking (literally) in love.
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”Ephesians 5:2 NKJV
He even met them where they were at regarding their fear, not ignoring their fear nor diminishing it, but encouraging them to not be afraid. He knew that if they knew it was He, they would not be afraid.
“And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.””Matthew 14:26-27 NKJV
However, walking on water is not reserved only for Jesus. Miracles are available to anyone who has genuine faith.
“And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”Matthew 14:28-29 NKJV
But we need to keep our eyes on Jesus.
“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!””Matthew 14:30 NKJV
Still, Jesus extends compassion and remains persistent in helping us grow in our faith and maturity—as long as we let Him.
“And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.”Matthew 14:31-32 NKJV
Jesus still continues extending compassion on the sick:
“When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.”Matthew 14:34-36 NKJV
“When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.”Mark 6:53-56 NKJV
Just like the one woman with the 12-year-long issue of blood, others here received their healing simply by touching the hem of His robe, not because they thought He was a good luck charm (He would’ve seen right through that), but because they knew He was the Son of God Who had come to save and heal them.
Merry Christmas 🎄
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