USS Comstock Sermon #1

5. THE HELPFUL CHRIST

Matthew 9:27–38

I. The power—vv. 27–31

A. People—v. 27. Two blind men cried out to Christ, “Have mercy upon us.” They really said, “Heal us.”

B. Plan—v. 28. Jesus asked the blind men if they believed He could heal them.

C. Power—vv. 29–30

1. Belief—v. 29. If they had faith, they could be healed. To get anything from God, we must have faith (Heb. 11:6).

2. Blessing—v. 30. Their faith brought healing. It is your faith that brings healing.

D. Popularity—v. 31. Jesus told the men not to tell others. Christ didn’t seek popularity. However, those who were healed told others about Christ’s power.

II. The perfection—32–34

A. Possession—v. 32. A man was possessed with a devil. When Satan possesses a man, he is helpless. He can do nothing in himself. Satan controls his every move.

B. Power—v. 33. Jesus cast out the devil, and the man was perfectly healed and restored.

C. Persecution—v. 34. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being the prince of devils because He cast out a devil. These Pharisees didn’t take into consideration that Satan cannot cast out Satan.

Strange, but when good is accomplished, the one doing the good is often criticized. At the same time, man can be sinful and wicked, yet seldom is he criticized. Why is the good man criticized? Two reasons: (1) there are many more bad people than good people; (2) the bad are convicted of their wrong, and they try to justify themselves by being critical of those who do good.

III. The preaching—vv. 35–38

A. Preaching—v. 35. Jesus went everywhere preaching the gospel. He practiced what He preached in Mark 16:15.

B. People—v. 36. Jesus saw the many people, and was moved with compassion, since they were lost as sheep without a shepherd (spiritual leader). How do you feel when you see the many lost souls?

C. Problem—v. 37. There is much work to do, little time to do it in, and few workers to do it.

D. Prayer—v. 38. Pray that God will send forth workers into the harvest of the Lord.

Pentz, C. M. (1977). Expository Outlines on the Life of Christ (p. 11). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.