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In Matthew chapter 14, we see a powerful contrast between Jesus’s grief over John the Baptist’s death and His compassion for those seeking Him (v. 14). Despite His own sorrow, Jesus responds to the needs of the crowd, illustrating His deepcare for others. This response highlights what is expected of those who are spiritually mature: to prioritize the needs of others even in the face of personal trials.

It’s interesting to contrast the Jesus's reaction to the crowd with that of Peter found here. While the crowds are encouraged for their faith, Peter, who has a closer relationship with Jesus, is corrected for his lack of faith. The crowds’ faith in following Jesus (v. 14) highlights how He compassionately receives people where they are. The people begging to touch Jesus’s robe (v. 36) echo the story of the woman in Matthew 9 who had been healed and commended for her faith. Wheras when one of His close followers, Peter, takes his eyes off Jesus in a moment of intense uncertainty, Jesus’s admonishes him,  “You have so little faith” (v. 31). This distinction emphasizes the different expectations placed on those in closer fellowship with Him, underscoring that a deeper relationship with Jesus comes with greater responsibility.

To understand this dynamic, we look to the greater context. For example, Matthew 13:11–13 discusses how those who have understanding will be given more, while those who lack understanding will lose what little they have. This aligns with Luke 12:48, which states that “when someone has been given much, much will be required in return.” Here, we see that greater responsibility comes with greater understanding, especially for mature believers.

This raises an important question: Would you prefer a fleeting miracle or a lifelong transformative journey resulting in spiritual maturity? Which path will have the lasting impact? How might the journey of growing in faith equip you to guide others on their own spiritual paths?