When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed those who were ill. Matthew 14:14, NIV

 

Jesus wanted to go to a quiet place to be alone, but the people followed him. He once again found himself among the people. He does not send them away or explain that he wishes to be alone. No, he had compassion on them and healed the sick. He saw the need and responded.

 

When it became late, the disciples suggested that Jesus send the people away to buy food in the towns. Jesus told the disciples to give them something to eat. But there were only five loaves and two fish available, and here the miracle of multiplication took place. The crowd was fed, and 12 baskets of bread were left over.

 

Jesus notices needs, not only big and urgent ones, but also small, everyday ones. The sick were healed, but there was also the ordinary need for food.

 

He also sees our big and small needs daily. Sometimes we are not even aware of how he provides for us; it could be a green traffic light when we are in a hurry, a parking space when we need one most, or simply a comforting word from a friend.

 

If we take these things for granted less, we will develop a new attitude and look at the needs of others with different eyes. Then, perhaps, we too can brighten someone else’s day with a small, thoughtful gesture.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you provide for all my needs every day. Open my eyes to also see the needs of others so that I, too, may do something to make their day better. Amen

 

 

Jesus wou na 'n stil plek gaan om alleen te wees, maar die mense het Hom gevolg. Weer eens bevind hy hom tussen die mense. Hy stuur hulle nie weg en verduidelik dat Hy alleen wil wees nie. Nee, Hy kry hulle jammer en maak siekes gesond. Hy sien die nood en reageer daarop.

 

Wanneer dit laat word, stel die dissipels voor dat Jesus die mense wegstuur om te gaan kos koop in die dorpe. Jesus sê dat die dissipels vir hulle iets moet gee om te eet. Daar was egter net vyf brode en twee visse beskikbaar en dit is hier waar die wonderwerk van die vermeerdering van die vis en brood plaasvind. Die skare word gevoed en twaalf mandjies vol brood bly oor.

 

Jesus sien behoeftes raak. Nie net groot en dringende behoeftes nie, maar ook kleiner en alledaagse behoeftes. Mense is gesond gemaak, maar daar was ook die doodgewone behoefte aan kos.

 

Hy sien ook daagliks ons groot en klein behoeftes raak. Soms is ons nie eens bewus van hoe daar vir ons voorsien word nie – 'n groen verkeerslig wanneer ons haastig is, 'n parkeerplek wanneer ons dit die nodigste het of sommer net 'n vertroostende woord van 'n vriend of vriendin.

 

As ons al hierdie dinge minder as vanselfsprekend aanvaar, mag ons moontlik 'n nuwe ingesteldheid kweek en met ander oë na mense om ons se behoeftes kyk. Dan kan ons dalk ook met 'n klein bedagsame gebaar iemand anders se dag beter maak.

 

Gebed: Hemelse Vader, baie dankie dat U elke dag in al my behoeftes voorsien. Open my oë dat ek ook ander mense se behoeftes sal raaksien sodat ek ook iets vir iemand anders kan doen om hulle dag beter te maak. Amen