Watchman’s Daily Devotional: The World Will Not Tolerate For Long Those Who Boldly Proclaim The Truth

Jesus had just heard that Herod had put John the Baptist to death. John had made it possible for Jesus to come. Jesus had to have known that He was going to be the next one. People who bravely tell the truth will not be tolerated for long. Jesus wanted to be by himself. From Capernaum, he got on one of the small boats and went to Bethsaida.

You could see the whole trip if you stood on the northern side of Galilee. People in the crowd could see where He was going and ran ahead to where He was going to land. He was the only person who could help a friend or family member get better. The same kind of people would always be at the door of someone who could heal like Jesus did. You would probably take someone you know who has a long-term illness to Him. Can you picture how desperate sick people must be?

Instead of being alone and able to rest, Jesus was met by a lot of people. He could have stayed on the boat and moved on, but He felt bad for them and didn’t. He healed the sick and then fed a huge crowd magically. Even though he could see people on the roads going in the same direction as him, he still went. Quite often, other people’s needs will come before our own. Jesus shows us that the Holy Spirit gives us the power to put other people’s needs ahead of our own, even when we are sad. Later that night, He would be able to spend some time alone with His Father, but before dawn the next morning, He had to save His companions from the water.

Think about this: Jesus put other people’s needs ahead of His own. His Spirit can give us the kindness of Jesus if we choose to follow Him. Is there someone today that God wants you to reach out to?