When You Need a Miracle

First of all…

Jesus is so kind and compassionate.

Why am I saying this…

Jesus just healed a gentiles daughter

Jesus is now ministering in gentile territory

Your about to see that Jesus meets us where we are when we need Him

When we need him… specifically. When we need a miracle.

What do we do!!??

Before I share the first thing… remember something…

Remember when Jesus encountered that demon possessed guy at the tombs?

What did Jesus do?

How did the people respond to it?

Jesus is now back in that same area… But now time has passed, the formerly demon possessed guy has been telling EVERYONE about what Jesus did for him.

When Jesus came the first time, the people in that area were not open to Him doing what He is about to do.

But something changed. Something had to change….

Its the same thing that has to change for anyone who needs a miracle or change from Jesus.

What do you think needed to change for these people?

They had to be humbled and realize their need for Jesus.

If you want to experience change and see a miracle…

Approach Jesus with Desperation

Mark 7:31–32 ESV

31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him.

The people showed desperation by begging

The man’s condition shows his desperation

All of them approached Jesus for a miracle

If you want to experience change and see a miracle

Approach Jesus with desperation

If you want to experience change and see a miracle…

Look for Jesus’ Activity in Your Life

Mark 7:33–35 ESV

33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

Jesus’ activity is Him communicating to you…

Jesus communicates to the deaf man in a way he can understand. An uncomfortable way…

Jesus communicates in a way those observing can understand

Jesus’ activity led to the desired miracle

If you want to experience change and see a miracle

Approach Jesus with desperation

Look for Jesus’ activity in your life

If you want to experience change and see a miracle…

Respond to Jesus with Amazement

Mark 7:36–37 ESV

36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Jesus is being humble and obedient to His Father

The miracle and outright good nature of Jesus causes amazement

Being amazed by Jesus causes us to share what amazing thing He has done in our lives… This unlocks amazing things Jesus can do in other’s lives.

People must hear about Jesus in order to experience the change and miracles He can provide

If you want to experience change and see a miracle

Approach Jesus with desperation

Look for Jesus’ activity in your life

Respond to Jesus with amazement

Here and now:

Response time: Close your eyes.

Spiritually: What are your struggles? Do you want to be a changed person?

What are you desperate for Jesus to change in your life?

Help me love your bible.

Help me forgive someone.

Help me want to stop a specific sin.

Help me receive His love and appreciate His sacrifice.\

Repeat after me in your head…

Jesus, I am desperate for you to ___________. Will you please do something about it?

—

Are you open to Jesus doing uncomfortable things in your life?

No

Yes

Repeat after me in your head…

If your not willing

“Jesus, I don’t want you to do something uncomfortable in me to accomplish the thing I’m asking for… Will you please change my heart?”

If you are willing

“Jesus, I am willing to let you do what you need to do to change me… Even if it hurts… Help me receive it from you!”

How will you respond when Jesus begins His work…