Introduction
The first place we discover Jesus encountering need in the Gospel of Matthew is in Matthew 4:2, where Jesus had been fasting for forty days, was being tempted by the devil, and was hungry. This moment provides profound insights into how Jesus handled His own need in a precarious situation.
Jesus’ Mastery Over His Own Needs
Jesus did not allow His hunger to master Him. He was in charge of His own hunger, not the hunger in charge of Him. He did not put His own needs before His calling; God’s Word and God’s work took precedence over other important, even urgent, things. This is a masterful demonstration of the balance of God in human form. Jesus acknowledges hunger in His human body and quotes scriptures to deflect the tempter, both things that humans are capable of.
God as the Ultimate Helper
God is the ultimate helper of humanity, and we are made to be reflections of Him. We must keep that hierarchy firmly in mind. When we offer assistance to someone, we’re only able to do so with what God has given us, whether it’s something tangible or a testimony. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states this plainly: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
The Danger of Selfish Motives in Helping Others
Helping other people feels good. It’s nice to know that our actions can make a difference for someone else. However, it could be a little too easy to help others for selfish reasons. Some care for others in order to experience a mood boost. While there is nothing wrong with feeling the joy that comes from offering aid to someone in need, this feeling of selfless joy can become addicting. For some, this becomes the entire reason for the care they are offering. When they reach this tipping point, the person receiving help becomes an object that needs us, and in effect, we become their god. Others offer care to feel better about themselves, driven by guilt from social media, educational systems, or even the church.
Historical Example: Al Capone
Al Capone, one of America’s most notorious gangsters, paradoxically supported soup kitchens during the Great Depression. Despite his involvement in organized crime, Capone sought to improve his public image and perhaps ease his own conscience by funding these charitable efforts. His actions highlight the complex nature of human morality, where even those who commit grave sins can seek redemption through acts of kindness, albeit with mixed motives.
Keeping God in the Proper Place
These examples illustrate the importance of not putting ourselves before God. All our resources and abilities come from God, so all glory and praise should flow to Him and not to ourselves. God is the hero of the story of humanity. If you find yourself the hero of someone else’s story, make an immediate adjustment and keep God in the proper place.
Conclusion
Jesus’ encounter with need teaches us the importance of prioritizing God above our own needs and desires. By keeping God at the center of our actions, we can ensure that our efforts to help others are genuine and aligned with His will.
