When he saw the crowds,
he had compassion on them.
—Matthew 9:36
The picture of the terrorist’s decapitated captive was gruesome. The agony of family members being subjected to that photograph of their brutalized loved one is hard to imagine.
The death of John the Baptist was a grizzly, heartless execution. In Herod’s banquet hall, they didn’t show a picture; they barbarously brought in John’s blood-splattered head on a platter.
When Jesus received the news, he “withdrew to a remote place to be alone” (Mt 14:13). John, his dear friend, was dead. Jesus needed time to grieve, to be alone.
But it wasn’t to be. People found him and sought his attention. Jesus didn’t resent the intrusion—moved with compassion, he ministered to them.
If you ever think he is preoccupied and unconcerned about you, this story is worth remembering.
Jesus’ concern for you is ceaseless.