feb 14 : matthew 14

Jesus feeds 5,000 people.
This is probably the amount of people that followed him to hear him, to be healed, and to love feel love. It is amazing that there was such a great following. Its even more amazing how Jesus cared for each one of them. When it was time for dinner Jesus didn't want to send them home because he knew they came to listen and he wanted them to listen. The disciples wanted them to go back into the city to eat. Jesus however insisted that he perform a miracle to feed them there on the spot. Why? Because Jesus wanted to be with them because they wanted to be with him. When we follow Jesus he likes it! He wants us to keep following him. He knows that we have needs, of course we have the fundamental needs as human beings such as eating, but we also have emotional and spiritual needs as well. I believe Jesus will never send you away hungry, weak, or broken, as long as you follow him. The loneliness you feel, could it be that Jesus is not found amongst your common companions? The lust, the hate, the pride, the jealousy, etc., he will replace all those as you follow him. He will fill the void and the hunger. There will be times though in following him where you will feel scared, alone, and even doubtful - its not going to be the most jolliest or carefree of times. After this we see Jesus walk on water. Peter is called out to walk on the water with Jesus. And what happens, he walks on water, but surely doubt gets the best of him and he starts sinking. Remember, its not as though Peter didn't know Jesus' powers; he saw the miracle, he experienced them first hand. We too will fall from what we believe to be our most spiritual peak. But just as Jesus offered his hand to Peter as he was sinking, he too will offer his hand to us who are falling. Be strong!