Here Jesus is dealing with the loss of a very dear friend, a cousin and even a "fellow prophet", even though Jesus was more then that! It was obvious that he needed time alone to deal with this. Even though He probably knew it was coming, He still withdrew for strength for restoration!

Question: So why do I feel guilty for hangin out with God, for drawing in and being restored, rejuvinated! It was something that Jesus modeled!

vs.14 shows us why He withdrew... so He would have the capacity to have compassion for those that needed healing... even went so far as to give them food... (immediately) remember the loaves and fish... they had the $ for food but Jesus saw this as an opportunity for a miracle!

The other thing that astoundes me here... is that He was interupted during His grieving, restoration process.... often, it seems, I am interupted with people who have "needs"! Whatever they are they seem to forget that I also have "needs"... the need to restore, the need to be reenergized, the need to be reconnected!

But notice, again the "compassion", their needs did not go away, even in the midst of all this!

Lord, help us to draw away selfishly, so that we can better minister to those in need... cause it ain't in me to do it on my own!

Matthew 14:13-14