By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Does Anybody Care About Me?

“Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself.  But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.”
Matthew 14:13 English Standard Version

Do you ever feel that you are in a desolate place, a lonely place where no one cares about you?  The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14 is a story of hurting, desperate people in a difficult, desolate place.  They came looking for Jesus, for healing, for comfort, for a way to God.  And the text says that when Jesus saw the crowd, “he had compassion on them.”  Not only did he teach them and heal them and pray for them, he fed them all with five loaves and two fish!

If you come looking for Jesus, feeling lonely or hurt or even desperate, Jesus will have compassion upon you.  How do I know that?  Because Jesus demonstrated his compassion in the most sacrificial, loving way.  He gave up his life upon the cross that you might be saved from your sins and reconciled to God.  Out of his compassion he suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried.  And three days later he rose from the dead to give you eternal life.

Jesus turns no one away who comes to him in their need and brokenness.  He doesn’t wait until you have life figured out or have “improved” yourself enough to come to him.  But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  And wherever we may be, whatever desolate, lonely place we may be in, Jesus comes to us in that place.  Rest in him, our Savior and Redeemer and Lord.

Dear Jesus, thank you that you come to me right where I am.  That you accept me and forgive me and comfort me and provide for me, all out of your love and grace and mercy.  I love you Jesus.  Thank you for loving me.  Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado