The David Spoon Experience 12-19-23 part 1

A) In Matthew 15:29, Jesus returns to the Sea of Galilee, climbs a hill, and sits down. This passage serves as a reminder that occasionally, we need to take a moment to rest. We often try to control everything, be in charge of everything, run everything, and do everything. But sometimes, we just need to climb a hill and sit down, resting on our blessed assurance.

B) A multitude of people bring to Jesus those with various physical difficulties - the lame, blind, crippled, mute, and others. Jesus heals them all. This isn’t about one or two or three healings. This is about a crowd of people bringing many individuals, all of whom are healed. While modern-day evangelists may have mixed results, Jesus was the true healer of the people. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The ultimate result of all these healings is praise unto God.

C) We now venture into another feeding ministry, similar but not identical to the feeding of the 5000. In this instance, Jesus begins by expressing his compassion for the people. They’ve been with Him for three days and have nothing left to eat. This doesn’t mean they didn’t bring food with them; it just means they’ve run out. Jesus doesn’t want to send them away hungry, as many could faint along the way. Jesus cares about the medical side of things, which is why He’s called the Great Physician, not the great doctor. But He also cares about their tummy hunger.

D) The disciples’ response is understandable. They’re in the wilderness, wondering where they’re going to find food. There are no fast-food restaurants, no food court at the mall, no food out there. Ironically, it wasn’t that long ago that they had only five loaves and two fish. So, Jesus asks, “What do you have this time?” They reply, “Seven loaves and a few small fish.” They actually had more on hand than they did during the last miracle, and this crowd was smaller. But they’ve already forgotten the power of offering it up with thanksgiving to the Father so that He can multiply it. They forgot, just like we often forget, the powerful miracles God produces for our benefit.