Matthew 13:1-2
New International Version 1984
(NIV1984)
1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the
lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a
boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
To find out what day this passage is
talking about we need to look at the previous verses, Matthew 12: 46-50. If you remember from my last blog, this is
the account of Jesus’ mother and brothers coming to visit Him. He looked at the crowd and said that those
who followed Him were His mother, brother and sister. Now, Jesus is off again ministering to the
crowds even though His family came to see Him.
What was more important to Jesus than His family? What is more important to you than your
family?
If Christ is to be our example on
how to live I think many of us are doing it a little backwards. As I sit here on my comfortable couch with my
laptop on my lap writing I wonder how much of myself am I really giving
Him. I wonder, if my family was here
right now would I be typing a blog or spending time with them. I recently took a trip to see family. It was a marvelous trip and we had a
wonderful time but I failed to write a blog during that time. On the other hand, my husband’s sister and
brother-in-law, whom we went to see, are a perfect example of how we should
live. They are managers of a retirement
community and were busy much of the time that we were there. My husband’s sister was able to take a day
and an afternoon off to spend time with us but they live on site and were
called out several times to tend to their residents during our visit. That is the way Jesus was with His
family. I am sure He loved to see them
but if His people needed Him, He was there to take care of them and His family
would have to wait.
So many times we seem to find other
things to occupy our time and when others begin to occupy our space we begin to
grumble and complain. Is that what Jesus
did? No, He ministered. When the crowd got large He went out on a
boat, not to get away from them but so that all could hear Him teach. Do you run from crowds? I can’t say that I necessarily run but I do
let other things occupy my time.
Sometimes I get a little too lax in my ministry to others. It might make me feel good to just sit and
watch television for a while but in the end, it would be so much better if I
went out and ministered to someone else.
That is a comfort that is above all other comforts, to know that you
made someone feel a little better because you took the time to care for
them. Even better is to be able to share
the love of our Lord and Savior with them.
When we begin to think that we need
to have a break from the crowd, it is important that we first examine why we do
what we do and ask ourselves, “What would Jesus want me to do?” or “If Jesus
would return tonight, where do I want Him to find me?” Keep in mind that He knows where we are and
what we are doing right this very moment.
Are you making Him happy?
As you seek Him and find Him may you
be found serving Him.
Seeking Him with all my heart,
Sheila
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