Jesus Satisfies Physically and Spiritually

Matthew 15:29-31

Context: Luke 8:26-39

First, imagine being Jesus and seeing this crazy naked guy run up to you. This shows just how humble Jesus is and how much he cares. He does not see a crazy naked man. He sees a man in need of physical and spiritual healing.

Now let’s review the ending. The people were just not ready for Him. So Jesus left.

It is in our text today, Matthew 15, that we see Jesus return and give the region another chance.

Here is one more thing to note before we move into our primary text.

How many people? Matthew 15:38 4,000 men = approximately 24,000 people. This could be much higher but I took the low number

4,000 men, 16,000-32,000 children, and then approximately 4,000 women. So anywhere from 24,000 to 40,000 people.

READ: MATTHEW 15:29-31

Jesus understands and cares

a. v.29 tells us he went up a mountain to sit down. Throughout Scripture, we see that Jesus goes onto the mountain for 3 things (rest, prayer with the Father, and to speak). This day, He needed rest.

b. Jesus fully understands pain, exhaustion, hunger

c. Jesus, as God, has compassion on people.

d. Remember last week when we talked about burdens? I promise you, Jesus understands your pain. He understands your workload. He understands your frustration.

People Recognize Jesus as God

a. Some have witnessed Jesus perform miracles previously

b. The man from Luke 8 was left behind with one task: “Tell others.” I’d say he did a good job...

c. Some may have known the prophecy from Isaiah:

Isaiah 35:5-6, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”

d. People were leading and carrying their loved ones to Jesus in faith.

I believe it shows a lot of faith when, not only you go, but you carry your lame friend, too.

e. Jesus healed them to glorify God. “And they glorified the God of Israel.”

The cross is where the humanity and godliness of Jesus is fully displayed.

a. This is not from this text, but I want to mention the highlight of the story of Jesus:

b. On the cross, we see the excruciating pain and death of Jesus.

c. On the cross, we see the power and might of Jesus.

d. On the cross, we see the full power and compassion of God.

Do you depend on Jesus for satisfaction spiritually and physically?

Where is your faith? Do you put your faith in God?

Examine your troubles, sins, and issues for a moment — we all have them.

Have you carried your troubles, sins, and issues to Jesus in faith?

There is something different about laying down your burdens to Jesus in prayer.

Saying, “God, help me with....” is powerful.

Scripture tells us God hears the prayers of the righteous.

Scripture tells us God has made us righteous with the blood of Christ.

Scripture tells us God will answer our prayers when we pray for His will.

Scripture tells us His will is to seek and save the lost; His will is to grow us in our relationship with Him.

Do you want forgiveness? Do you want to grow in faith? Do you need help? Ask Him.

TYLER

If you are not following Jesus, you are missing out on eternal peace now.

Christianity is not just about “after death.” That eternal peace begins immediately.

One last question today:

Who in your life needs you to lead them to Jesus? Carry them… Lead them… Cover in faithful prayer. Look at verse 30 one more time. How did the crippled and blind get up a mountain?

Let’s think about all this as we sing this song.