Day 35: March 2

Matthew 14:1-21

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT
OBSERVATION
⬇️ Those mired in sin take umbrage at the pronouncements of the righteous, who seek to guide them toward the path of virtue. This animosity can fester into persecution, a grave transgression against the God’s will. (v. 3-8).

⬇️ Though surprised by Salome's demand to kill John the Baptist, Herod, despite recognizing John's righteousness and virtue, misused his authority to fulfill her evil desire (v. 5, 9-11).

⬆️ Upon hearing death of John, Jesus retreated to a solitary place.  Jesus was responding to the death of John the Baptist with compassion (v. 12, 13).

⬆️ Jesus, also moved with compassion for the crowds, viewed them as sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). Thus, he used his authority with compassion to perform healing miracles for them (v. 13).

⬆️ Jesus also used His authority to meet the physical needs and desires of his people whom he loved (v. 15-21)

APPLICATION
➡️ We see that Herod misused his authority to fulfill the wicked desires of evildoers. In contrast, Jesus used His authority with compassion and love, meeting the spiritual and physical needs of His people.

Just as the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep, so too did Jesus use His divinely given authority not for self-gain or earthly power, but to serve, heal, and nurture His flock with love and compassion" (John 10:11-18).

In the face of moral dilemmas, we are called to emulate Jesus, who, in his response to the misuse of authority by Herod, demonstrated the compassionate use of power. Like Jesus, who saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd and used his authority to heal and guide them (Mark 6:34), we are called to use our influence and resources to meet the spiritual and physical needs of those around us. We have to learn from Jesus' example, using our authority not for selfish gain or to fulfill wicked desires, but with love and compassion, uplifting and serving others as He did (v. 15-21).

Paul says, "For you have been called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is summed up in one sentence: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:13-15).

How can I use our authority responsibly and ethically? How can I stand up for truth and justice in the face of worldly temptations?  How can I avoid abusing my power, abilities, and resources? Understanding and Imitating Jesus' Compassion and Love is only way.  Love has the power to transform lives, heal brokenness, and bring about positive change in the world.

PRAYER
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