1. Matthew 15:29-39 The Messiah’s Convincing Power

2. 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 Healing Matthew 15:30-31 2

3. 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 Feeding Matthew 15:32-38 3

4. 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 Feeding Matthew 15:32-38 4

5. How will you react to His miracles? John 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 5

6. 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 2:2 6

7. Food from the “wilderness” 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.) 7

8. Food from the “wilderness” 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 8

9. Food from the “wilderness” 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) 9

10. Food from the “wilderness” 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 10

11. Food 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 11

12. 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 12