Passage
Matthew 14:1-21 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Herod's Fear; Jesus' Compassion
Date: Jul. 24, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 14:14
First, Herod murders John the Baptist (1-12). King Herod had taken his brother's wife, Herodias, as his own. This was not lawful. John the Baptist rebuked Herod about this sinful relationship. This angered Herod and Herodias. At first Herod only imprisoned John. However, during a birthday party, Herod boasted he would do whatever Herodias' daughter asked of him. She asked for John's head. Herod obliged out of pride. Sin, fear, pride and an unrepentant heart drive us into wickedness.
Second, Jesus cares for the needy (13-21). After hearing about John's fate, Jesus needed time to be alone. He tried to go to a solitary place but when he arrived, many people were already waiting for him there. Jesus was not annoyed. He compassionately healed them all day long. In the evening, the disciples tried to send them away. But Jesus encouraged his disciples to feed them. They only had five loaves of bread and two fish. But they brought the people to Jesus who fed them all.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your compassion. Help me to bring people and what I have to you so that you may bless others.
One Word: You give them something to eat
