Priorities And Love
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 14:13-21 and Psalms 58 (NIV)
(David Gan, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 14:13-21 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
This passage recounts Jesus’ miracle of feeding 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fish. Jesus had sought solitude after receiving news of the beheading of his cousin, John. However, the crowd followed Him relentlessly, and He was denied His time alone. Out of compassion for the people, Jesus ministered to them and even met their need for food as they were in a remote place.
APPLY:
I have heard and read this parable many times over the years. But as with all books that are worth reading more than once, you learn something new each time you read it. This time around, my attention and focus revolved around Jesus and His situation leading up to feeding the 5,000.
The words that kept coming to mind were “priorities” and “love”. Jesus sets the example of how to put other people before oneself, serving them as they need to be served while setting aside His personal desires.
As a father to a lovely 18-month-old, I have many opportunities to show priority and love to both my wife and daughter. My reactions to them when they interrupt my plans (be it work or personal time) reflect my priorities. Even if they might not be able to feel or see whether my heart is full of love or irritation when I am interrupted, both Jesus and I know. I often struggle to show the level of love, compassion, and prioritisation of a servant leader, but I have been trying, and I hope that I am making progress.
DO:
As a father who desires to raise a godly daughter, my actions reflect what I consider to be important in life. Thus, whenever the opportunity arises, I need to remember to:
- Pause before reacting.
- Remember what Jesus did.
- Try to reflect His goodness in my actions.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your ways are above my ways, and You know what my soul needs to be full. I pray for forgiveness for the times I get frustrated when plans change and for the times when I serve my family without love. Thank You for Jesus’ perfect example of prioritising Your kingdom above His own desires. Please give me the mind and heart to put Your kingdom and my family ahead of my own personal desires and the pursuit of material things like wealth. Help me to keep working toward the understanding that all my time belongs to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
