Matthew 14:1-13
*At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.*
Grief and loss are experiences we all go through at some point in our lives. It’s never easy to lose someone we love, and it’s natural to feel a wide range of emotions during these times. In Matthew 14:1–13, we see how Jesus responded when He learned about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist.
Jesus’ Response to Grief
When Jesus heard about John’s death, He withdrew to a solitary place. Jesus needed time alone to process His grief and to be with God. Even though Jesus was busy with His ministry, He recognized the importance of taking a step back to deal with His loss.
The Importance of Solitude
Solitude means spending time alone, away from the busyness of life. It’s a time to reflect, pray, and process our feelings. After hearing about John’s death, Jesus sought solitude, showing us that it’s okay to take time for ourselves when we are grieving.
Making space for Grief
When we experience loss, it’s important to allow ourselves to grieve. Grief is a natural response to losing someone we care about, and it’s a process that takes time. Solitude gives us the space to feel our emotions and to begin healing.
Finding Hope in Solitude
While solitude can be a time for grieving, it can also be a time for finding hope. When we are alone with God, we can find comfort and peace. We can pray, read Scripture, and simply sit in God’s presence. This time apart helps us remember that we are not alone in our pain and that God is with us, offering hope and healing.
If you are experiencing grief and loss, take time to be alone with God. Here’s a simple way to do it:
Find a Quiet Place: Choose a place where you can be alone without interruptions. It could be a room in your house, a park, or any place that brings you peace.
Set Aside Time: Give yourself enough time to process your emotions and to pray. It might be a few minutes each day or a longer period when you need it.
Pray Honestly: Talk to God about your grief. Share your pain, your memories, and your feelings with Him.
Read Scripture: Find comfort in God’s Word. Passages like Psalm 23 or Matthew 5:4 can offer encouragement and hope.
Sit in God’s Presence: Sometimes, words aren’t necessary. Simply being still and aware of God’s presence can bring peace to your heart.
Healing Through Time Apart
Solitude provides the space we need to grieve and to heal. Just as Jesus sought solitude after hearing of John’s death, we too can find comfort and hope in time spent alone with God. It’s okay to take a step back from our daily routines and responsibilities to process our loss. In this quiet time, we can find the strength to move forward, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Remember, grief is a journey, and it’s different for everyone. Be patient with yourself, and allow God to bring healing to your heart through moments of solitude and prayer.