Are We Meeting Needs?

N.T.#184 "Are We Meeting Needs?"

Nov. 14, 2023 

Matthew 15-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

Here is some background concerning the last part of this chapter, which I didn't know: Jesus spent about 6 months in Gentile country. There is no record of His ministering to others during this time other than the desperate woman and feeding of 4,000 men. So the disciples must have had uninterrupted and intense training at the feet of Jesus. The Decapolis area was surrounded by a federation of ten Greek cities. It was located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Jews considered those people as lost, outcast, and needy. With the cross coming for Him, Jesus could have been showing his followers the need to minister to all in need. 

While there, Jesus healed the sick and suffering. (verse 31) He had compassion (feel sympathy; to pity) on them. (verse 32) Jesus treated no one as outcast. As a result, the people glorified the God of Israel. Those Gentile gods could not do what Jesus did. the Gentiles were proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, that salvation was of the Jews. (John 4:22)

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

As followers of Jesus, do we treat no one as an outcast? People have souls and need His salvation, physical needs to be met, and need to know they are loved. Are we like Jesus? 

LET IT GROW

If we are to minister to the needs of others, are we willing to meet the need with what we have? Being willing is not enough, so we must give. Do we use the opportunity to meet physical needs as a time to share salvation in the One who meets all needs-spiritually? When we meet needs, others witness the Lord's power and provision in action. It strengthens our faith. 

LET IT GO 

Open our eyes, Lord, to see the needs of others.

Use us to meet those needs, physically and spiritually (bringing them to Jesus).