Have You Besought His Touch?

Matthew 14:34–36

1. Recognition and Reception

Matthew 14:34-35

Verse 34:

He is now in the area of the Plain of Gennesaret between Capernaum and Magdala.

Verse 35:

Familiar in this area the people recognize him.

Then they send word out that Jesus is now back in the area, and they call to all who are sick.

How quick are we to invite the lost and the broken and the sick to come to Christ?

2. Reach and Restoration

Matthew 14:36

You could delve into the power of touch by highlighting how the people implored Jesus to allow them to touch the fringe of His garment. Maybe suggest that this simple act of faith was sufficient for healing. This point could connect to how simple acts of faith can be avenues for Jesus to work in our lives. Encourage listeners that no matter how small their faith seems, reaching out to Jesus can lead to significant change and restoration. Perhaps you can illustrate this with testimonies or stories of those who've experienced divine healing and transformation through faith.

Verse 36:

More than likely either by word of mouth or personal witness they knew of Jesus’ miracles and healing power. Perhaps some witnessed the woman with the issue of blood touching the hem of his garment in Capernaum.

Here they seem to seek as she did, to touch the hem or fringe of his garment.

What aliment vexes you? What sickness? What issue? HAVE YOU INDEED BESOUGHT THE LORD for thy healing?

Have asked and kept asking? Sought and kept seeking? Knocked and kept on knocking?

Have you been seeking to truly find?

Have you pressed through the crowd?

Have you climbed the sycamore tree?

Have you wrestled as Jacob not to be denied until you have the blessing?

Do we always get what we prayer for?

Here are some key principles:

Pray in Faith: Believers are encouraged to pray with faith, believing that God will hear and answer their prayers (Mark 11:24, James 1:6).

Pray in Jesus’ Name: Jesus taught His followers to pray in His name, signifying their relationship with Him and acknowledging His authority (John 14:13-14).

Pray with Persistence: The parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer.

Pray with Humility: Jesus taught that prayers should be offered with humility and sincerity, avoiding the desire for public recognition (Matthew 6:5-6).

Pray with Forgiveness: Forgiving others is crucial when approaching God in prayer (Mark 11:25).

Pray with a Thankful Heart: Believers are encouraged to pray with gratitude and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2).

Pray Continually: The Apostle Paul encourages believers to pray without ceasing, making prayer a constant part of their lives (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Pray for Others: Intercessory prayer, praying for others, is highly valued (1 Timothy 2:1-2, James 5:16).

Pray According to His Will: Believers are called to pray in alignment with God’s will, seeking His purpose and plan (1 John 5:14-15).

See here as many as touched he were made well. The King James Version says “as man as touched him were made perfectly whole.”

Application

Point 1: Be quick to bring others to Jesus

Based on Matthew 14:34-35, the people of Gennesaret immediately recognized Jesus and sent word to bring all who were sick to Him.

Invite others to Christ: Just as the people in Gennesaret were quick to invite the sick to Jesus, we should also be proactive in inviting those who are lost, broken, and in need of healing to come to Christ.

Be a conduit for healing: Look for opportunities to bring others to Jesus, knowing that He has the power to heal and restore.

Point 2: Simple acts of Faith lead to Restoration

Matthew 14:36 describes how the people implored Jesus to let them touch the fringe of His garment, and those who did were healed.

Act on Your Faith: No matter how small your faith may seem, reaching out to Jesus can bring significant change and restoration in your life. Simple acts of faith can be powerful.

Share Testimonies: Share stories of how faith in Jesus has led to healing and transformation. This can encourage others to trust Him for their needs.

Reflecting on these applications, consider how you can embody the principles of inviting others to Christ and exercising simple acts of faith in your daily life. Do you see opportunities around you to make these applications real? How might you encourage others to do the same?