Day 288

Galilean Ministry cont.
9. At Capernaum
- Feeding of the 5,000 (M-18), Jesus third Passover (John 6:4) - Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13
- Jesus leaves the crowd - Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-46; John 6:14-15
- Jesus walking on water (M-19) - Matthew 14:24-33; Mark 6:47-52; John 6:16-21


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Matthew 14:13 - When Jesus heard of it (John the Baptist's death), he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart...


The God-Man - got tired, thirsted, hungered, wept.  His physical family member had been beheaded - his spiritual foreteller departed.  I've never pondered how Jesus may have felt.  Then wonder, should I?



Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 
Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Having the assurance of an eternal home has changed dramatically how I view the departure of loved ones.  Any sorrow is usually centered upon my loss or the loss someone else is experiencing.

My God-Man knows all the aspects of the trials and tribulations we experience because HE has been there, done that.  He is touched with our infirmities.  How comforting and encouraging.

 John would have been between 30 and 33 years of age.  Not very old.  Father had a divinely appointed time for his departure.  As do all.  Do you know your final destination?


The God-Man would have been fully assured of John's final destination.  Yet he still departed to a desert place apart.  Gill's commentary suggests that in connection with  the Mark and Luke accounts - the apostles return - they may have withdrawn to reflect upon the news, and refresh themselves from their journey, also possibly to avoid Herod.


desert - G2048 -  Of uncertain affinity; lonesome, that is, (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, G5561 being implied).


place - G5117 - Apparently a primary word; a spot (generally in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas G5561 is a larger but particular locality), that is, location (as a position, home, tract, etc.); figuratively condition, opportunity; specifically a scabbard.  (Scabbard?)


apart - G2398 - Of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, that is, one's own; by implication private or separate.


It wasn't unusual for Jesus to depart by himself - alone - to pray.  Perhaps this was one of those occasions.  Time to defrag and organize his thoughts and emotions?


Shortly thereafter HE ministered to the 5000 men - beside women and children.  Gill's commentary suggests that the women in attendance could have been equal to that of the men.   "...it not being usual with the Jews to number their women;..."


He fed them with 5 loaves and 2 fish - 5 = grace and  2 = division.  12 baskets left over - 12 = governmental perfection.  1000 = divine completeness and the glory of God.  5  * 1000 = 5000.


He then leaves the crowd - Matthew, Mark and John all record that he sent the others away and was alone.


Alone - G3441 - Probably from G3306; remaining, that is, sole or single; by implication mere: - alone, only, by themselves.


How oft do we ascend the 'mountain' and seek time alone with our Heavenly Father?  Jesus prayed oft...how do we measure in comparison to HIS example?


Father forgive us for the times we approach the throne of Grace with a list of wants and needs without giving proper reverence and/or respect to Your sovereignty.  Lord, You have guided us in regards to prayer - not by rote - but with sincerity.  Help us to pray and seek You with the same frequency and fervency of our brother Jesus.