Scripture References: Matthew 9:27-38; Matthew 21:12-14; Isaiah 35:5-6
Intro: Welcome to this sermon focusing on Matthew 9:27-38. Though it's Palm Sunday, we examine this passage highlighting Jesus' profound compassion—a quality vividly seen even amidst His righteous anger during the Temple Cleansing (Matt 21), where He immediately turned to heal the blind and lame.
Key Points:
- Persistent Faith Meets Mercy (vv. 27-31): Two blind men pursue Jesus, calling Him "Son of David" (Messiah). He engages their persistent faith ("Do you believe I am able to do this?") and heals them "according to" their trust in His ability and mercy.
- Sovereign Authority Meets Helplessness (vv. 32-34): A demon-oppressed mute man is brought to Jesus. Without requiring expressed faith from the man, Jesus exercises authority, casts out the demon, and restores speech. His power meets needs in diverse ways.
- Compassion Fuels Jesus' Mission (vv. 35-36): Jesus tirelessly travels, teaches, and heals every affliction. What drives Him? Deep, gut-level compassion for the crowds, whom He sees as distressed and vulnerable ("harassed and helpless") sheep without a shepherd.
- The Response to Overwhelming Need: Prayer (vv. 37-38): Faced with a vast "plentiful harvest" and insufficient workers, Jesus' primary directive to His disciples isn't to strategize or work harder, but to pray earnestly for the Lord of the Harvest to send more laborers. The mission depends on God.
- Receiving Before Giving: We often feel lacking in the faith or compassion required for ministry. Instead of striving harder in our own strength, Jesus invites us to first receive these qualities from Him as gifts. We come empty; He fills us so we can overflow.
Conclusion: Jesus, the compassionate Son of David and Lord of the Harvest, meets human need with both mercy and power. He responds to our faith but isn't limited by its absence. He calls us to see the world's need through His eyes of compassion and to respond first with dependent prayer.
Call to Action: Bring your needs and inadequacies to the compassionate Jesus. Ask Him for the gift of faith to trust Him more. Receive His heart of compassion for a hurting world. Join His primary strategy: pray earnestly for more laborers to be sent into God's harvest field. Open your hands to receive what He wants to give you today.
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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Compassion (Matthew 9:27-38)
with Travis Aicklen
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