Scripture Union Daily Guide

Thursday, March 6th, 2025.

Day 64.

Text: Matthew 14: 13-21.

Topic: The Compassionate Savior

Questions: 1 and 2.

Click the link to answer questions.

THE COMPASSIONATE SAVIOR

In our previous reading we saw Herod behead John the Baptist, the disciples buried the body and reported to Jesus. One would think Jesus is insensitive, but when we see Him moved with compassion at the hungry and sick multitude, we can have a glimpse into the compassionate heart of the Master towards the afflicted (Matthew 9:36). At the suggestion of the disciples to send the hungry multitude away from the lonely, deserted place, notice what Jesus would rather do (vs. 15-19)? He fed five thousand men, besides women and children, with twelve baskets remaining. What lesson is the Master teaching us in v.20 (f. John 6:12)?

In the light of the present economic and moral crisis in the world, and in line with the Master’s instruction to Simon Peter, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17), it is the duty of the Church today to feed the hungry both physically and spiritually and to provide relieve to the wounded in the world. God is deeply concerned not only about our spiritual needs but the physical too.

And so: Join the great hymn writer, Fanny Crosby to sing:
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.

PRAYER: Lord, give me compassionate heart for the perishing and the needy around me.

Break down of the guide:

After John the Baptist’s beheading, Jesus showed compassion to a hungry and sick multitude, revealing His caring heart. Despite the disciples’ suggestion to send the crowd away, Jesus chose to feed them, miraculously providing for over 5,000 people with food to spare. This act teaches us about God’s concern for both spiritual and physical needs. The Church today is called to follow Jesus example, feeding the hungry and providing relief to those in need, both physically and spiritually.

Prayer for Thursday:

THANK GOD FOR THE SUFFERING AND DEATH OF JESUS, AS A RESULT OF WHICH WE CAN LIVE. PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING AS A RESULT OF THEIR FAITH IN CHRIST OR BECAUSE OF WAR AND FAMINE.