“They Come In Threes”

Ever hear the expression, “Troubles come in threes”? I wonder if that is what the disciples were thinking in Matthew 14. Here the setting is set and the plot thinkens. Matthew 14, opens up with John the Baptist being beheaded. Our Savior hears of it and goes out to a dessert place with his disciples. However, the multitude followed them. Jesus’ heart moves with compassion toward them. Can you imagine what our Lord must have felt as he hears of his cousin’s death? The pain he must have carried. And yet he had time to see the multitude’s needs. Jesus asks the Disciples to give the people food in the midst of all the turmoil they were facing. They must have been questioning themselves and wondering if they were going to be beheaded too. The cost of following the LORD at that very moment must have been so evident to them, and the Lord knowing all this points the disciple’s eyes to the multitude. Our Lord then performs the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. Afterward, Jesus commands his disciples to go across the sea in a ship, while our LORD goes up into a mountain to pray. The disciples are out in the sea rowing when out of nowhere came a mighty storm. The little ship is being tossed in the waves, the wind is blowing against the ship. All hope is lost. Or so it seems. “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.” Can you almost see their faces, I wonder if their thoughts did ask this question: “What Next?!” I know that’s what I would probably be thinking. Look at Our Savior’s reply. “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. I want you to see something that the LORD showed me today. 1. The first thing that occurred was John the Baptist was beheaded. This must have left the Disciples feeling unsure and wondering if they and Jesus were next. 2. The second thing that occurred was after they traveled to get away, the people had followed them. And instead of Jesus turning them away, his heart moved with compassion toward them. The Disciples not only must have been tired but they must have been a little wary of people. What was to stop anyone of those people from turning the Disciples and Jesus in? 3. After Jesus feeds the multitude, he sends his Disciples away. Do you think they really wanted to get in that ship? Would you want to get in a ship and row across the sea after you had just lost your friend and been working all day? And on top of all this, a storm comes and then they see a man walking on the water. Here is what I want you to see. The first two things God allowed but the third one He ordained. The third trial was to teach the Disciples to look at Christ and let go of their own reasoning. Yes, sometimes things comes in threes, but all along the way, Christ is staying “It is I; be not afraid.” Look up dear friend when you face a difficulty. Hope in the LORD, He is thy rest!