Reaching Out

N.T.#170 "Reaching Out"

Oct. 23, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

Reaching out when there is deep pain takes humility. Admitting we can't do it on our own and need help is difficult. But we have a Savior who knows our sufferings and needs. His love surpasses all. Let Him loosen our burdens.

The boat in which Jesus and His disciples were in, landed at Gennesaret. This was a plain fertile and well-watered northwest of the Sea of Galilee, which was also called Lake Gennesaret. It was about 3 miles long and a mile wide. It was called paradise and was the garden of princes. It could only offer physical pleasure and relaxation. However, it did not offer a permanent peace for the soul nor an eternal body. (John 14:27; John 5:24-29) Sounds like a good place to be. However, the whole vicinity flooded Jesus with sick people who begged Him to make them well.

What did the people in the land of Gennesaret show us?

• Christ was there in the area. (verse 34)
• knowing and having knowledge of Christ (verse 35)
• coming to Christ and bringing the diseased to be healed (verse 35)
• begging Christ to touch the diseased (verse 36)
• touching Christ (verse 36)
• experiencing the power of Christ and being made whole .(verse 36)

[Resource: The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

How blessed we are to have a Savior present, at hand, reachable, and available to make us whole. He is also able and willing to make us whole. Christ Jesus is the true Messiah, the Son of the Living God, the Savior sent into the world by God to save our soul. Such love has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) He is not willing that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:9)

Do we know people who have closed their minds and hardened their hearts to Christ? Continue to pray for them. 

LET IT GROW

The people came to Jesus for physical healing, but did they come for spiritual healing? They came to prolong their lives on earth, but did they come seeking eternal life? Do we seek Jesus to only heal our body diseases and not our sin sick soul? Do we seek His eternal plan for our life and His will in this world? He can change our life inside and out.

Jewish men wore tassels on the lower edges of their robes according to God's command. (Deut. 22:12)  Tassels were signs of holiness. (23:5) It was natural for those seeking healing to reach out and touch the tassels of his robe. One sick woman learned healing came from faith and not from Jesus' clothing. (9:19-22)

Do we seek Jesus throughout the day? Are we touching His heart in prayer and obedience? Will we love others enough to bring them to The Healer?

Keep in mind that it may not be God's will for someone to be healed. Although He healed my fractured bone, He has not healed my Crohn's disease.

LET IT GO 

Help us let go of pride and seek You, Jesus.

Help us reach out and touch You.

Give us faith that You have all power to do what Your will is.

Please save the lost reading this today.

Glory to God in the Highest.