The story is — I have no story

By Cassie Downs, Christian Blogger

In the book of Matthew, we find the story of John the Baptist’s death and the feeding of the 5000 shortly after. I’ve always loved the story of the 5000, how Jesus didn’t just leave the people with full bellies but with baskets of leftovers. A sweet reminder that Jesus wants to fill us to overflow! And that he is more than we need. But today I want to point something out to you I believe is essential in serving others, in making disciples.
“When Jesus heard about it (John’s death), he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick.” — Matthew 14:13-14 CSB (Parentheses mine)
When God prompted my heart to write to you about this, I struggled. I’ve tried to write to you for a solid week and my deadline is hours away. I have racked my brain to find a story to tell you, but I’ve come up empty. But I think that is the story. I have no story that I can share with you. And I need this devotion today just the same as you. I’m not writing to you. I’m writing to us.
When Jesus learned of John’s death, it hurt. And like you and I learning the devastating news of loss, Jesus needed to get away, to be alone, and to process this news. Perhaps there was more to it in the spiritual realm, but I want to focus on the emotional and physical side of this news.
We find Jesus hopping a boat and heading away from everyone. But the people heard about it and followed him anyway. And Jesus has compassion for them and their needs. He welcomes them, heals them, and feeds them. Me, I would’ve said, sorry about your issues, but I’m dealing with my stuff and I can’t handle your issues right now. My tank is empty. I have nothing left to give you. Oh, but not Jesus. In his emptiness, he didn’t say sorry and walk away. He didn’t give them a rain check and invite them back another night. Even when his excuse to run away would’ve been justified. He stayed. He kept giving.
Now some may argue that yes, he did this, but he’s God. I would argue back, he’s also fully man. Jesus loved and lost. Jesus got weary and needed rest. He could have walked away from the crowd and left them just as empty as when they arrived. But he stayed, not because he felt like it, I’m sure. He stayed because he understood the bigger picture. He knew the people needed what only he could give them.
It’s easy for you and me to run away from others when our life feels empty. When we’ve been through the mill and have nothing left to give. When we suffer loss, most people serve us. They bring dinner to our home, pray for us, show us kindness. But Jesus, in his loss, prayed for them, made them dinner, and showed 5000 family’s kindness.
Friend, as disciples of Jesus, we don’t get to choose when to clock in. Following Jesus isn’t a day job. We don’t click in at nine and out at five. When we decide to follow Jesus, we surrender our life, our timetable, our luxury, our comforts, everything — to Jesus. We become like our teacher. We love like our teacher and serve like our teacher. We give like he gives. Even when loving, serving, and giving come at the worst times. At the hardest times in our life. That’s true servanthood. That, my friend, is the truest discipleship.
I wish I had a story to tell. An example of my life to share with you. I don’t. But I will. My challenge to you and to me is this. When you think you’re done and you have nothing left to offer. Give a little more. Serve a little longer. And I’m not talking about burnout, so don’t misunderstand. I’m talking about the neighbor, coworker, or friend who is looking to you. Don’t set them aside because you are dealing with your own stuff. Serve them anyway. Give anyway. It won’t go unnoticed and when they look back, they won’t see you at all. They’ll see your teacher and that’s the hope, right? God’s glory and the good of others.