Anticipating the Miracle of Christ’s Provision

Sermon Outline

Title: Anticipating the Miracle of Christ’s Provision

Text: Matthew 15:32–39, NKJV.

“Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” Then His disciples said to Him, “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few little fish.” So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.” , NKJV

Introduction

In this passage, Jesus once again faces a multitude in need—hungry, tired, and far from home.

He had previously fed the 5,000 in Matt 14:13-21, yet His disciples are still unsure how to respond to the needs of the 4,000.

This moment teaches us about Christ’s compassion, our tendency to forget His past provisions, and the importance of obedience while anticipating His miraculous work.

Exposition of the Text

v. 32 – Jesus declares His compassion: “I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

vv. 33–34 – The disciples doubt, forgetting what Jesus had already done.

vv. 35–36 – Jesus directs the crowd to sit, gives thanks, and breaks the bread.

vv. 37–39 – All ate and were filled; seven baskets left over, and the multitude dismissed.

Main Points

1. Jesus Desires to Provide for Their Personal Needs (v. 32)

Jesus does not only care about their spiritual nourishment, but also their physical needs.

His compassion moves Him to act. Jesus sees our needs and is often moved to help us, even before we know of the need or ask for His help. He is a sovereign God after all.

Christ is both Shepherd of the soul and Sustainer of life. He takes care of the birds of the air, the beasts of the fields, and the fish of the sea —how much more important are you to Him!

How many of us forget that Jesus is here to provide more than just our spiritual needs, He also provides for our material needs. Food, safety, money, housing and all that we need. He isn’t an ATM, but He does provide for our needs, when we truly seek Him. But He does it His way.

Application:

We must trust that He sees our burdens and desires to meet them in His time and way.

Jesus cares about every aspect of your life—not just the spiritual, but the physical, emotional, and personal needs as well.

2. The Disciples’ Lack of Remembering His Past Provision (vv. 33–34)

Despite seeing Him feed 5,000 earlier, they ask: “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness?”

Their forgetfulness reflects human weakness—doubting in the present despite past miracles.

How often we question God’s ability even though He has shown Himself faithful time and time again. Don’t we do this a lot too? Jesus moves in our lives big time, we are amazed, we go around telling everyone about it, shouting His praise from the roof tops. Then bam, something similar happens and we forget everything Jesus had already done for us, like it was a “one and done” miracle.

Application:

When facing trials, recall the times God has already delivered and provided for you.

Keep a testimony of God’s faithfulness so you do not forget His past mercies when new challenges arise. Keep a journal, a diary, a log book, something tngible that you can refer to, to be reminded of God’s faithfulness in your life.

3. Obedience in Anticipation of a Miracle (vv. 35–36)

Jesus instructed them to sit down, to bring the loaves and fish, and to distribute.

Their role was obedience; Christ’s role was multiplication.

We must often wait, and that takes obedience, and restraint, in order to see Jesus fulfill that which He has promised.

True faith acts before the miracle happens, trusting in the One who performs it.

We have to give the problem to Jesus and then let Him do what he is going to do, how and when he is going to do it. But trusting is a weakness most of posess.

Application:

Be faithful and obedient even when you cannot yet see the outcome.

Anticipate God’s work—prepare the “seats” in your life for His blessing before it arrives.

Applications:

We must trust that He sees our burdens and desires to meet them in His time and way.

When facing trials, recall the times God has already delivered and provided for you.

Be faithful and obedient even when you cannot yet see the outcome.

Conclusion

Jesus’ compassion reaches every need—He provides spiritually and physically.

Our human weakness often forgets His past mercies, but His power has never diminished and never will.

Obedience positions us to see His miracles unfold time and time again.

Just as He fed the multitude, He is able to meet our needs today.

Let us remember His past faithfulness, trust His present compassion, and walk in obedience as we anticipate His mighty provision. As Jesus was, so Jesus is.