Matthew 15:29-39Matthew 15:29-39

The Messiah’sThe Messiah’sConvincing PowerConvincing Power

• Great multitudes came, 15:30-31• Miracles, signs and wonders (Acts 2:22)

– Miracle: Confirmed God as the source of the power (Acts 10:38)

– Wonders: Attracted attention; caused amazement (Acts 2:7, 12)

– Signs: Showed the presence and approval of God (Jno

3:2)• They glorified the God of Israel, 15:31

Miracles of HealingMiracles of HealingMatthew 15:30-31Matthew 15:30-31

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• Conversation with disciples, 15:32• Messiah’s motive of compassion, 15:32

– Desired to meet their pressing need, 15:32– Bread of Life, John 6:35, 51-58

• The test of faith: “Where could we get enough bread…?” 15:32-34– Wilderness (Mk 8:4)…people…disciples…– Jesus! (Matt 14:13-21)

A Miracle of FeedingA Miracle of FeedingMatthew 15:32-38Matthew 15:32-38

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• The miracle, 15:35-38– Commanded the people to sit down

(they would be served)– Gave thanks to the Father (Supplier)– Apostles served (Lk 22:27; Jno 13:14-17)– All ate and were filled; 4,000 men

plus women and children– Abundance remained

A Miracle of FeedingA Miracle of FeedingMatthew 15:32-38Matthew 15:32-38

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How will you react to His How will you react to His miracles?miracles?John 20:28-29; 1 Peter 1:8-9John 20:28-29; 1 Peter 1:8-9• Will you accept them as sufficient proof

that Jesus is the Son of God? Jno 5:36; 20:30-31

• If so, you must come to Him for the healing of your soul, Matt 11:28-30; 28:19-20–Jesus heals sinful addictions, 1 Cor 6:9-11–Jesus heals harmful attitudes, Acts 9:1, 16–Jesus heals the hurt of our past sinful choices, 1 Tim 1:12-16; Phil 3:13-14

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How will we feed the multitude?How will we feed the multitude?•“Where will we get enough bread in the

wilderness to fill such a great multitude?” 15:33

•We need spir. food; where will we get it?•We must feed on the word of God…–Elders must feed the church, Acts 20:28–Parents must feed children, Eph 6:4–Teachers must feed students, Heb 5:12 (2 Tim 2:2)

–We must feed ourselves, 1 Pet 2:26

Food from the “wilderness” Food from the “wilderness” never fills the soul never fills the soul•Social gospel, Jno 18:36; Lk 17:20-21; Rom 14:17 –Social agendas (Habitat for Humanity; Womencare, etc.)

–Recreation (Youth ministers, camps, retreats, etc.)

–Entertainment (Drama, choruses, bands, dances, etc.)

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Food from the “wilderness” Food from the “wilderness” never fills the soul never fills the soul•Tickling teachings, 2 Tim 4:3-4 (Jer

5:30-31) –“Gender-inclusive” churches of Christ•As if women are excluded!

–Broadened basis for fellowship (Rom 14)•Adulterers in unscriptural remarriages are received into fellowship

•Homosexual acceptance increasing•False teachers ignored / encouraged

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Food from the “wilderness” Food from the “wilderness” never fills the soul never fills the soul•Smooth sayings, Rom 16:18 (Isa

30:10) –“God accepts everything…everybody… every way…” Matt 7:21-23

–“No absolutes”…no heaven…no hell… no sin… (Prov 12:15; Psa 119:89)

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Food from the “wilderness” Food from the “wilderness” never fills the soul never fills the soul•False formulas for salvation, Jas 2:24; Heb 5:9; Mk 16:15-16– Faith only– The sinner’s prayer– Infant baptism– Universalism

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Food that fills the soulFood that fills the soul•The words of Jesus contain eternal

life, John 6:63, 68–Simplicity and purity that is in Christ, 2 Cor 11:3-4

–The word of God, John 17:17–Gospel is God’s power to save, Rom 1:16–Preach the word, 2 Tim 4:2–The word of righteousness, Heb 5:13-14

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THE MESSIAH’S CONVINCING POWER

• Glorify God for His great power and the provisions that save us in Christ, Matt 15:31• Live by faith and Christ will supply our needs, Phil 4:19

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