Scripture Reading: Matthew 15:29-31

The Messiah's Convincing Power

(Matthew 15:29-39)

Intro.

1. During the life of Jesus the people in northern Palestine saw the great light of God’s Messiah, Matt 4:15-17; 15:29.

2. The “case for Christ” is repeatedly made: His compassionate power is convincing many that He has been sent from God (15:31).

I. THE MIRACLES OF JESUS ABOUND.

A. Miracles of Healing, 15:30-31.

1. Great multitude came to Him for healing, 15:30-31.

2. Miracles, Wonders and Signs, 15:30-31 (Acts 2:22).

a. Miracle: Confirmed the source/origin as the power of God, Acts 10:38.

b. Wonders: Their nature was to attract the attention of men, to cause astonishment, 15:31 (marveled); Acts 2:7, 12.

c. Signs: Showed the presence and approval of God (Jno 3:2).

3. They glorified God, 15:31.

B. A Miracle of Feeding, 15:32-38.

1. Christ’s conversation with His disciples, 15:32.

2. Messiah’s motive of compassion, 15:32.

a. He expressed desire to meet their pressing need, 15:32.

b. cf. The Bread of Life, Jno 6:35; Living bread, Jno 6:51-58.

3. The test of faith: “Where could we get enough bread”? 15:32-34

a. Amount of food (would there be enough?).

b. Possible sources of food:

1) Wilderness wouldn’t supply food, cf. Mk 8:4.

2) Any supply they people may have had was exhausted; they did not have food for themselves.

3) Apostles only had a meager amount of food, 15:34.

4. The miracle, 15:35-38.

a. Commanded people to sit down: would be served.

b. Gave thanks: The Father would be the Supplier.

c. Apostles gave the food to the multitude.

d. Jesus multiplied the 7 loaves and fish: All ate and were filled.

e. Abundance: 7 large baskets remained (4,000 plus women and children.

II. HOW WILL YOU REACT TO THE MIRACLES OF JESUS? Jno 20:29; 1 Pet 1:8-9

A. Accept it as Sufficient Proof that He is the Son of God? Jno 5:36

B. If So, You Must Come to Him for the Healing of Your Soul, Matt 11:28-30; 28:19-20.

1. Jesus heals our sinful addictions, 1 Cor 6:9-11.

2. Jesus heals our harmful attitudes, cf. Acts 9:1, 16.

3. Jesus heals the hurt of the sinful choices in our past, 1 Tim 1:12-16; Phil 3:13-14.

III. HOW WILL WE FEED THE MULTITUDE?

A. The Human Dilemma: “Where will We Get Enough Bread in the Wilderness to Fill Such a Great Multitude?” Matt 15:33

1. We need spiritual food, but where will we get it?

2. Elders must feed, Acts 20:28; Parents must feed, Eph 6:3-4; teachers must feed students, Heb 5:12; Christians must eat!

3. What will we feed people? And, what will we eat?

B. Food from the “Wilderness” Never Fills the Soul:

1. The social gospel. (Jno 18:36; Lk 17:20-21; Rom 14:17)

a. Social agendas (Church-supported Habitat for Humanity, Womencare Shelter, etc.).

b. Recreation: Youth ministers, camps, etc.

c. Entertainment: Drama, choruses, rock music, etc.

2. Tickling teachings, 2 Tim 4:3-4 (Jer 5:30-31).

a. “Gender-inclusive” (Leroy Garrett; Mercy ST church, Abilene).

b. Broadened fellowship with sin; Homosexual tolerance; etc.

3. Smooth sayings, Rom 16:18 (Isa 30:10)

a. God accepts everything/everybody/every way (Matt 7:21-23).

b. “No absolutes”, no heaven, no hell, no sin… (Prov 12:15; Psa 119:89).

4. False formulas for salvation, Jas 2:24; Heb 5:9; Mk 16:15-16.

5. All these are false doctrines that leave the soul famished!

C. Food that Fills: The Words of Eternal Life, Jno 6:63, 68; 2 Cor 11:3-4; Jno 17:17; Rom 1:16; 2 Tim 4:2; Heb 5:12-14.

Conclusion

1. We must glorify God for His great power and provisions that save us in Christ (Matt 15:31).

2. Live by faith in Christ to supply our needs, Phil 4:19.