1 00:00:00,700 --> 00:00:03,930 Speaker 1: I came that they may have life, and may have 2 00:00:03,970 --> 00:00:10,590 Speaker 1: it abundantly. John 10.10 Dear Lord Jesus, In a world 3 00:00:10,650 --> 00:00:14,770 Speaker 1: where shadows linger and the thief seeks to steal, kill, 4 00:00:15,170 --> 00:00:19,549 Speaker 1: and destroy, your promise stands out as a beacon of hope, 5 00:00:20,650 --> 00:00:24,820 Speaker 1: offering us not just life, but an abundant one, filled 6 00:00:24,860 --> 00:00:30,160 Speaker 1: with your presence, peace, and joy. Lord, in the quiet 7 00:00:30,200 --> 00:00:34,460 Speaker 1: moments and amid life's storms, remind us of the fullness 8 00:00:34,500 --> 00:00:38,920 Speaker 1: of life you came to give. Help us to see 9 00:00:38,960 --> 00:00:42,699 Speaker 1: beyond our circumstances to the richness and the depth of 10 00:00:42,770 --> 00:00:48,070 Speaker 1: experience found in walking with you. Teach us to trust 11 00:00:48,130 --> 00:00:51,510 Speaker 1: in your provision, to rest in your peace, and to 12 00:00:51,610 --> 00:00:56,529 Speaker 1: revel in the joy that comes from knowing you. Comfort 13 00:00:56,590 --> 00:00:59,740 Speaker 1: our hearts, Jesus, with the assurance that you are always 14 00:00:59,840 --> 00:01:06,240 Speaker 1: with us, guiding, nurturing, and protecting. May we live each 15 00:01:06,300 --> 00:01:11,420 Speaker 1: day in the abundance you offer, sharing your love and 16 00:01:11,520 --> 00:01:15,720 Speaker 1: light with those around us. Give us the strength to 17 00:01:15,760 --> 00:01:21,350 Speaker 1: resist the thief's lies and the wisdom to embrace the full, 18 00:01:21,610 --> 00:01:26,560 Speaker 1: vibrant life that you came to give. In your precious 19 00:01:26,620 --> 00:01:33,259 Speaker 1: name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 20 00:01:34,480 --> 00:01:39,319 Speaker 1: This is the Jesus Podcast. Epic stories inspired by the Gospels. 21 00:01:40,340 --> 00:01:45,390 Speaker 1: Remain here for another miraculous story. If this podcast has 22 00:01:45,450 --> 00:01:48,290 Speaker 1: offered value to your life, we would love it if 23 00:01:48,310 --> 00:01:51,090 Speaker 1: you left us a review. We want to hear how 24 00:01:51,150 --> 00:01:53,490 Speaker 1: the Gospel is transforming lives. 25 00:01:56,670 --> 00:01:58,810 Speaker 2: Father, be opened. 26 00:01:59,430 --> 00:02:02,970 Speaker 1: The man's eyes went wide, and he jumped back in shock. 27 00:02:03,950 --> 00:02:08,940 Speaker 1: A sound, like thunder, echoed in the man's ears, followed 28 00:02:09,010 --> 00:02:13,520 Speaker 1: by the booming echoing sound of Jesus' voice and the 29 00:02:13,620 --> 00:02:18,260 Speaker 1: crackling of ear bones snapping into place. The man brought 30 00:02:18,300 --> 00:02:21,190 Speaker 1: his hands to his face with a quick reactive impulse. 31 00:02:22,730 --> 00:02:27,320 Speaker 1: The sounds of the world roared around him. Birds chirping, 32 00:02:27,740 --> 00:02:32,320 Speaker 1: wind swirling, insects buzzing, and the murmuring of the crowd 33 00:02:32,639 --> 00:02:38,360 Speaker 1: behind him. The man touched his jaw. I can hear. 34 00:02:38,880 --> 00:02:42,390 Speaker 1: His words weren't broken coming out of his mouth. It 35 00:02:42,470 --> 00:02:45,370 Speaker 1: was as if he had been speaking his whole life. 36 00:02:46,850 --> 00:02:50,389 Speaker 1: Jesus didn't heal just his ears and mouth, but his 37 00:02:50,550 --> 00:02:56,700 Speaker 1: mind as well. Decades of lost learning had somehow been 38 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:01,940 Speaker 1: reclaimed in an instant. His jaw and tongue made the 39 00:03:01,980 --> 00:03:06,540 Speaker 1: correct motions. His throat opened and closed at the right time. 40 00:03:08,010 --> 00:03:10,950 Speaker 1: The man was so startled by the sound of his voice, 41 00:03:11,490 --> 00:03:13,310 Speaker 1: he laid a hand on his chest. 42 00:03:13,930 --> 00:03:16,910 Speaker 2: That's... that's me, isn't it? 43 00:03:17,490 --> 00:03:20,570 Speaker 1: It was an odd question, but it didn't feel odd. 44 00:03:21,190 --> 00:03:24,010 Speaker 1: He had never heard the sound of his voice before. 45 00:03:25,389 --> 00:03:30,489 Speaker 1: Tears formed in the corners of his eyes. Jesus stood 46 00:03:30,550 --> 00:03:33,700 Speaker 1: up and helped the man onto his feet. He placed 47 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:37,040 Speaker 1: his hands on the man's shoulders and said, I know. 48 00:03:36,900 --> 00:03:39,940 Speaker 2: You can speak, but tell no one what has happened here. 49 00:03:40,600 --> 00:03:41,740 Speaker 2: This is just between us. 50 00:03:42,260 --> 00:03:45,610 Speaker 1: The man looked back at the crowd. They were watching 51 00:03:45,670 --> 00:03:50,230 Speaker 1: from a distance in anticipation. He looked back at Jesus 52 00:03:50,310 --> 00:03:50,630 Speaker 1: and said. 53 00:03:51,230 --> 00:03:53,750 Speaker 2: How is this possible? They'll know. 54 00:03:54,170 --> 00:03:58,150 Speaker 1: Try your best, Jesus replied with a wink and smile. 55 00:04:00,050 --> 00:04:02,130 Speaker 1: The two of them walked back to the road where 56 00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:05,850 Speaker 1: the crowd waited with bated breath to see what had happened. 57 00:04:07,440 --> 00:04:11,560 Speaker 1: The young man met his father's gaze and immediately welled 58 00:04:11,640 --> 00:04:16,480 Speaker 1: up with joyful tears. He ran to him and yelled, Father! 59 00:04:16,960 --> 00:04:21,380 Speaker 1: He couldn't help it. His voice couldn't be tethered any longer. 60 00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:27,500 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled, figuring that it was only a matter of time. 61 00:04:29,260 --> 00:04:35,820 Speaker 1: The crowd collectively gasped, then erupted in cheers. The old 62 00:04:35,930 --> 00:04:39,670 Speaker 1: man limped toward his son and held him. The two 63 00:04:39,970 --> 00:04:45,549 Speaker 1: embraced for a long while, laughing and sobbing. The crowd 64 00:04:45,750 --> 00:04:46,430 Speaker 1: was amazed. 65 00:04:46,710 --> 00:04:49,029 Speaker 3: What does this mean? What else can he do? 66 00:04:49,470 --> 00:04:52,510 Speaker 1: Jesus stretched out his arms and settled them down. 67 00:04:53,089 --> 00:04:56,210 Speaker 2: My friends, please, I beg you not to tell anyone 68 00:04:56,230 --> 00:04:58,470 Speaker 2: what you've seen today. Let it be a blessing to 69 00:04:58,570 --> 00:05:02,810 Speaker 2: your hearts. Meditate on this and consider the goodness of 70 00:05:02,890 --> 00:05:06,349 Speaker 2: God that he would grant this man his ears and voice. 71 00:05:07,150 --> 00:05:12,100 Speaker 2: Let it stir you to quiet praise. But please, hold 72 00:05:12,160 --> 00:05:15,219 Speaker 2: your tongues about what you've seen and heard. 73 00:05:15,880 --> 00:05:20,240 Speaker 1: Peter and the others chuckled slightly. They knew better. People 74 00:05:20,380 --> 00:05:23,610 Speaker 1: never kept quiet. no matter how much Jesus charged them 75 00:05:23,710 --> 00:05:28,750 Speaker 1: to remain silent. Good news spreads like the common cold. 76 00:05:30,310 --> 00:05:31,430 Speaker 1: He turned to the others. 77 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:34,060 Speaker 3: And said, Prepare yourselves for an onslaught of people. 78 00:05:34,630 --> 00:05:38,940 Speaker 1: They all nodded their heads. They wouldn't get another mile 79 00:05:39,300 --> 00:05:45,640 Speaker 1: without thousands of people flocking to see Jesus. This was 80 00:05:45,700 --> 00:05:48,420 Speaker 1: the beginning of something glorious. 81 00:05:53,250 --> 00:05:54,820 Speaker 4: Do you believe that God cares for all your needs? 82 00:05:55,270 --> 00:05:58,170 Speaker 4: Sometimes we feel small, resulting in feeling like some of 83 00:05:58,210 --> 00:06:01,050 Speaker 4: our needs are insignificant to a God bigger than the universe. 84 00:06:01,650 --> 00:06:04,190 Speaker 4: Even David considers this in Psalm 8, 3-4. He writes this, 85 00:06:04,350 --> 00:06:06,710 Speaker 4: But Jesus reminds us time and time again that our 86 00:06:06,750 --> 00:06:08,510 Speaker 4: Heavenly Father knows what we need, and He'll provide for 87 00:06:08,529 --> 00:06:25,659 Speaker 4: us if we seek Him. You're listening to The Jesus Podcast. 88 00:06:26,020 --> 00:06:29,000 Speaker 4: Your story showcasing the depth of Christ's love through storytelling 89 00:06:29,320 --> 00:06:32,700 Speaker 4: and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. I'm Zach, 90 00:06:32,720 --> 00:06:35,300 Speaker 4: your host from Pray.com. Thanks for joining us today for 91 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:39,169 Speaker 4: another epic story all about Jesus. If you want to 92 00:06:39,200 --> 00:06:41,870 Speaker 4: help keep these stories coming, make sure to follow the podcast, 93 00:06:42,020 --> 00:06:44,270 Speaker 4: leave a review, and share it with a friend. The 94 00:06:44,310 --> 00:06:47,810 Speaker 4: podcast space is hard and crowded, so these tiny little 95 00:06:47,830 --> 00:06:50,670 Speaker 4: steps that you make as followers really helps us out. 96 00:06:50,930 --> 00:06:53,289 Speaker 4: So thanks for being a part of the movement. Today's 97 00:06:53,330 --> 00:06:56,340 Speaker 4: story might sound a little familiar, if you've been following 98 00:06:56,400 --> 00:06:58,480 Speaker 4: along with our series through the miracles of the Messiah. 99 00:06:59,020 --> 00:07:02,940 Speaker 4: While Jesus has already miraculously fed around 5,000 men plus 100 00:07:02,960 --> 00:07:05,620 Speaker 4: women and children, we'll see him once again feed a 101 00:07:05,700 --> 00:07:08,820 Speaker 4: similarly sized gathering. But don't let that stop you from 102 00:07:08,870 --> 00:07:12,210 Speaker 4: being swept away in the moving story of Jesus' compassion 103 00:07:12,310 --> 00:07:15,390 Speaker 4: and care. The story takes place shortly after Jesus heals 104 00:07:15,450 --> 00:07:18,630 Speaker 4: the deaf and mute man in Decapolis. As Jesus anticipated, 105 00:07:18,990 --> 00:07:21,770 Speaker 4: Word of his miracles spread quickly throughout the surrounding cities, 106 00:07:22,090 --> 00:07:25,860 Speaker 4: and people were ecstatic to see and experience the healer's 107 00:07:25,920 --> 00:07:29,180 Speaker 4: power for themselves. We'll have a chance to see the disciples' 108 00:07:29,300 --> 00:07:33,000 Speaker 4: growth over time as we see them acknowledging the familiarity 109 00:07:33,040 --> 00:07:35,900 Speaker 4: of this scenario, but this time with a better understanding 110 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:39,550 Speaker 4: of Jesus' intentions and ready to jump in to participate 111 00:07:39,690 --> 00:07:41,690 Speaker 4: in another miracle with their Messiah. 112 00:07:44,570 --> 00:07:47,050 Speaker 1: This was the first time they had witnessed something like it. 113 00:07:47,870 --> 00:07:53,010 Speaker 1: a man of power, compassion, and love. People flocked to him, 114 00:07:53,630 --> 00:08:00,020 Speaker 1: reaching forward with desperate cries for help. Jesus smiled and 115 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:05,140 Speaker 1: welcomed each of them. The disciples were anxious about the crowds, 116 00:08:05,880 --> 00:08:11,410 Speaker 1: but Jesus' calm gave them peace. He wasn't flustered. If 117 00:08:11,470 --> 00:08:14,990 Speaker 1: he wasn't flustered, then they had no reason to fear either. 118 00:08:15,610 --> 00:08:18,130 Speaker 3: One at a time. Jesus will see all of you. 119 00:08:18,630 --> 00:08:21,480 Speaker 1: A line of people coiled around the mountain's base like 120 00:08:21,510 --> 00:08:25,320 Speaker 1: a winding river. Peter smiled and ran his hands through 121 00:08:25,340 --> 00:08:28,540 Speaker 1: his beard. He nudged Matthew and pointed to them. 122 00:08:29,240 --> 00:08:31,340 Speaker 3: What did I tell you? An onslaught! 123 00:08:31,740 --> 00:08:34,640 Speaker 1: They brought their lame and their sick. They brought the 124 00:08:34,679 --> 00:08:38,160 Speaker 1: blind and the mute. They laid them at Jesus' feet, 125 00:08:38,800 --> 00:08:41,030 Speaker 1: hopeful he would heal them as he did the mute 126 00:08:41,250 --> 00:08:45,469 Speaker 1: and deaf man. Jesus sat in the sun and spoke 127 00:08:45,510 --> 00:08:49,520 Speaker 1: to them individually. He wasn't in a rush. There was 128 00:08:49,600 --> 00:08:53,860 Speaker 1: plenty of time. Peter stood by his side, just in case. 129 00:08:54,720 --> 00:08:58,220 Speaker 1: And what started as dozens of people turned into hundreds 130 00:08:58,740 --> 00:09:07,190 Speaker 1: and then thousands. The whole hillside was covered with people. Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, barbarians. 131 00:09:08,530 --> 00:09:12,090 Speaker 1: The Decapolis emptied into the valley like a broken cistern. 132 00:09:12,950 --> 00:09:16,990 Speaker 1: Over 4,000 men and thousands of other women and children 133 00:09:18,450 --> 00:09:21,310 Speaker 1: On the move, Peter mused with a humongous smile. 134 00:09:21,870 --> 00:09:24,620 Speaker 3: Look at what's happening. There could be no turning back 135 00:09:24,650 --> 00:09:28,520 Speaker 3: into something like this. If people in the Decapolis receive him, 136 00:09:29,140 --> 00:09:31,220 Speaker 3: then the entire world soon will. 137 00:09:31,860 --> 00:09:36,199 Speaker 1: Everyone from town marveled at him, speechless as they saw 138 00:09:36,260 --> 00:09:39,560 Speaker 1: the mute speak freely for the first time, and the 139 00:09:39,620 --> 00:09:44,790 Speaker 1: lame dance up and down the grassy hills. Children, once blind, 140 00:09:45,130 --> 00:09:48,010 Speaker 1: made eye contact with their mothers for the first time 141 00:09:48,900 --> 00:09:52,290 Speaker 1: The girl with broken knees ran into her father's embrace. 142 00:09:53,210 --> 00:09:56,400 Speaker 1: Tears streamed down Philip's cheeks as he beheld it all. 143 00:09:57,480 --> 00:09:59,420 Speaker 1: He raised his hands and smiled. 144 00:10:00,710 --> 00:10:02,830 Speaker 3: There has never been anyone like him. 145 00:10:03,350 --> 00:10:07,380 Speaker 1: The disciples looked at Jesus. They weren't just in awe 146 00:10:07,390 --> 00:10:12,980 Speaker 1: of him. They wondered what else was in store. Gentiles 147 00:10:13,080 --> 00:10:15,599 Speaker 1: shouted and praised the Lord for the first time in 148 00:10:15,620 --> 00:10:20,780 Speaker 1: their lives. Jews sat and embraced Greeks. and Roman soldiers 149 00:10:20,880 --> 00:10:26,179 Speaker 1: cheered when beggars were healed. In this space and time, 150 00:10:26,860 --> 00:10:32,940 Speaker 1: heaven was meeting earth, just as Jesus promised. He had 151 00:10:32,980 --> 00:10:37,069 Speaker 1: told them the kingdom of heaven was at hand. And now, here, 152 00:10:37,610 --> 00:10:41,950 Speaker 1: with thousands of people of different cultures and creeds collectively 153 00:10:42,090 --> 00:10:49,050 Speaker 1: praising God, heaven was near. Hours passed into a day. 154 00:10:50,000 --> 00:10:53,800 Speaker 1: Yet more people were still arriving by the minute, eager 155 00:10:53,980 --> 00:10:59,360 Speaker 1: to hear Jesus preach. The disciples pitched tents and lit torches. 156 00:11:00,280 --> 00:11:03,479 Speaker 1: To a random onlooker, it almost looked like a battle camp. 157 00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:08,000 Speaker 1: But the only sword being drawn was the word of God, 158 00:11:08,770 --> 00:11:12,650 Speaker 1: cutting through the flesh straight into the hearts of men. 159 00:11:14,050 --> 00:11:19,640 Speaker 1: Three days passed, and the crowds still hadn't dissipated. Each 160 00:11:19,700 --> 00:11:23,300 Speaker 1: moment was a new miracle, a new teaching, a new 161 00:11:23,420 --> 00:11:29,350 Speaker 1: sign from God. Jesus stood amid the gentle crowd, never 162 00:11:29,380 --> 00:11:33,850 Speaker 1: too tired, never shortening his time with them. What could 163 00:11:33,870 --> 00:11:39,070 Speaker 1: have been a disaster was surprisingly calm. No brawls or 164 00:11:39,150 --> 00:11:43,790 Speaker 1: arguments broke out among them. It seemed like everyone understood 165 00:11:43,970 --> 00:11:48,730 Speaker 1: the moment. These miracles were more significant than any single 166 00:11:48,850 --> 00:11:54,920 Speaker 1: person They had to share this moment. Time passed, and 167 00:11:55,640 --> 00:11:59,000 Speaker 1: Jesus was ready to return them to their homes. But 168 00:11:59,080 --> 00:12:02,100 Speaker 1: most of them had gone all this time without food. 169 00:12:03,380 --> 00:12:08,230 Speaker 1: Jesus was worried for their health. They couldn't return without nourishment. 170 00:12:08,929 --> 00:12:12,390 Speaker 1: They'd fall by the wayside. They can't travel home like this, 171 00:12:12,950 --> 00:12:16,390 Speaker 1: Jesus said to his disciples, gesturing to the thousands of 172 00:12:16,450 --> 00:12:17,650 Speaker 1: people lacing the valley. 173 00:12:18,210 --> 00:12:20,569 Speaker 2: They've been with me for three days without a proper meal. 174 00:12:21,210 --> 00:12:23,960 Speaker 2: They'll faint on the road if they leave now. Let's 175 00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:25,199 Speaker 2: give them something to eat. 176 00:12:25,650 --> 00:12:29,880 Speaker 1: The disciples were tired. They couldn't fathom feeding that many 177 00:12:29,960 --> 00:12:34,920 Speaker 1: people after three days of organizing them. Peter looked down 178 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:37,440 Speaker 1: the slope at the thousands of people seated on the 179 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:38,200 Speaker 1: side of the hill. 180 00:12:38,880 --> 00:12:40,760 Speaker 3: Where are we going to get enough bread to feed 181 00:12:40,780 --> 00:12:43,179 Speaker 3: them in such a desolate place as this? 182 00:12:43,880 --> 00:12:45,199 Speaker 1: Jesus called for Philip. 183 00:12:45,720 --> 00:12:47,850 Speaker 2: How much food do we have? Is there enough to 184 00:12:47,890 --> 00:12:48,590 Speaker 2: feed these people? 185 00:12:49,110 --> 00:12:53,150 Speaker 1: Philip smiled, like listening to a story he already knew 186 00:12:53,170 --> 00:12:54,429 Speaker 1: the happy ending to. 187 00:12:55,630 --> 00:12:58,949 Speaker 3: We have seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. 188 00:12:59,650 --> 00:13:03,050 Speaker 1: The rest of the disciples looked at each other, realizing 189 00:13:03,750 --> 00:13:08,809 Speaker 1: they had heard this all before. Jesus returned Philip's smile 190 00:13:09,330 --> 00:13:10,209 Speaker 1: and turned to the crowd. 191 00:13:11,050 --> 00:13:15,170 Speaker 2: Everyone, sit. Now, before you return to your homes and 192 00:13:15,230 --> 00:13:18,230 Speaker 2: share the good news I've told you, Enjoy a meal. 193 00:13:18,610 --> 00:13:21,990 Speaker 2: Your souls have been nourished. But now it's time to 194 00:13:22,050 --> 00:13:23,290 Speaker 2: replenish the body. 195 00:13:23,809 --> 00:13:26,650 Speaker 1: The crowd sat, squinting up at him in the sunlight. 196 00:13:27,910 --> 00:13:32,100 Speaker 1: A hush settled over them. They fell so quiet you 197 00:13:32,140 --> 00:13:34,960 Speaker 1: could hear the wind stirring the reeds in the grass. 198 00:13:36,920 --> 00:13:40,420 Speaker 1: Jesus took the basket of seven loaves and gave thanks 199 00:13:40,460 --> 00:13:40,750 Speaker 1: for it. 200 00:13:41,559 --> 00:13:46,280 Speaker 2: Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe. 201 00:13:47,110 --> 00:13:53,290 Speaker 2: who brings forth bread from the earth. Give us nourishment, life, 202 00:13:54,010 --> 00:13:58,590 Speaker 2: and purpose in you, for yours is the kingdom and 203 00:13:58,610 --> 00:14:03,050 Speaker 2: the glory and the power forever. Amen. 204 00:14:03,670 --> 00:14:06,810 Speaker 1: Jesus broke the bread into pieces with his hands and 205 00:14:06,850 --> 00:14:10,750 Speaker 1: gave it back to his disciples. The men each went 206 00:14:10,790 --> 00:14:13,390 Speaker 1: in a different direction with their bread and handed it 207 00:14:13,530 --> 00:14:16,740 Speaker 1: off to different sections of the crowd. They broke it, 208 00:14:17,050 --> 00:14:19,920 Speaker 1: passed it on, and broke it, and passed it on. 209 00:14:21,120 --> 00:14:25,080 Speaker 1: The loaves and the fish traveled through the crowds into hundreds, 210 00:14:25,740 --> 00:14:31,500 Speaker 1: past thousands. It continued down through the crowd until everyone 211 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:37,410 Speaker 1: was fed. Peter squinted in the sunlight, estimating the number 212 00:14:37,450 --> 00:14:42,130 Speaker 1: of them. At least 4,000 families were fed, tens of 213 00:14:42,270 --> 00:14:48,170 Speaker 1: thousands of people with full bellies. Philip tore a piece 214 00:14:48,210 --> 00:14:52,620 Speaker 1: for himself. He folded it into his mouth and its buttery, 215 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:56,000 Speaker 1: creamy mixture melted on his tongue and down his throat. 216 00:14:57,360 --> 00:15:03,460 Speaker 1: He had never tasted something so wonderful, so satisfying. Perhaps 217 00:15:03,560 --> 00:15:06,100 Speaker 1: it was the lack of sleep or the fact it 218 00:15:06,140 --> 00:15:10,080 Speaker 1: had almost appeared out of nowhere like manna from heaven. 219 00:15:11,570 --> 00:15:15,030 Speaker 1: It was hard to resist not taking another bite and another. 220 00:15:16,850 --> 00:15:21,560 Speaker 1: He scanned the crowds, once again amazed at Jesus' power. 221 00:15:22,960 --> 00:15:29,080 Speaker 1: Everyone ate mouths full of bread. The disciples reassembled with 222 00:15:29,120 --> 00:15:33,680 Speaker 1: Jesus and brought, strangely, more food back with them than 223 00:15:33,730 --> 00:15:38,170 Speaker 1: they had departed with. They each looked from basket to basket, 224 00:15:38,950 --> 00:15:45,030 Speaker 1: seeing seven full baskets of broken pieces afterward. Seven, the 225 00:15:45,090 --> 00:15:50,370 Speaker 1: number of completions. Seven loaves turned into seven baskets. 226 00:15:51,050 --> 00:15:54,830 Speaker 3: He's done it again, Peter whispered to Philip. He already 227 00:15:54,930 --> 00:15:59,090 Speaker 3: healed them. He gave them more than enough. Still, he 228 00:16:00,210 --> 00:16:01,090 Speaker 3: gave them more. 229 00:16:01,670 --> 00:16:05,950 Speaker 1: Jesus glanced at Peter and Philip. His eyes sparkled with joy. 230 00:16:05,970 --> 00:16:11,030 Speaker 2: I haven't just come to give life, but life more abundantly. 231 00:16:11,610 --> 00:16:17,550 Speaker 1: Then Jesus sent the crowd away with full bellies. And 232 00:16:17,590 --> 00:16:20,690 Speaker 1: there was still some sunlight in the sky for their 233 00:16:20,770 --> 00:16:21,310 Speaker 1: way home. 234 00:16:25,210 --> 00:16:28,570 Speaker 4: As if feeding 5,000 people wasn't an incredible act, Jesus 235 00:16:28,650 --> 00:16:31,840 Speaker 4: astounds once again by feeding a crowd of 4,000 men 236 00:16:32,120 --> 00:16:34,840 Speaker 4: after he had already spent all day with them healing 237 00:16:34,860 --> 00:16:36,460 Speaker 4: their sick, lame, blind, deaf. 238 00:16:36,520 --> 00:16:36,900 Speaker 2: And mute. 239 00:16:37,600 --> 00:16:41,100 Speaker 4: Miracle after miracle after miracle came forth from the hands 240 00:16:41,140 --> 00:16:44,240 Speaker 4: of the healer. But Jesus wanted his disciples to learn 241 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:48,330 Speaker 4: that he always had more to give. He wanted to 242 00:16:48,430 --> 00:16:51,670 Speaker 4: show them that the work was never done. In Matthew 9, 243 00:16:51,670 --> 00:16:54,859 Speaker 4: we're told that Jesus had compassion for the people, viewing 244 00:16:54,880 --> 00:16:57,340 Speaker 4: them as sheep without a shepherd. And it was with 245 00:16:57,380 --> 00:16:59,859 Speaker 4: that compassion that he turned to his disciples and said, 246 00:16:59,880 --> 00:17:02,740 Speaker 4: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask 247 00:17:02,780 --> 00:17:05,130 Speaker 4: the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send workers into 248 00:17:05,170 --> 00:17:08,890 Speaker 4: the harvest field. The disciples were quickly learning that Jesus' 249 00:17:08,950 --> 00:17:13,149 Speaker 4: words weren't an exaggeration. There were thousands in Decapolis alone 250 00:17:13,470 --> 00:17:16,150 Speaker 4: and millions more around the world who would need the 251 00:17:16,210 --> 00:17:18,790 Speaker 4: healing power of the gospel. But the workers are few, 252 00:17:18,830 --> 00:17:21,929 Speaker 4: and that's almost an understatement, considering that they began with 253 00:17:21,990 --> 00:17:25,290 Speaker 4: only 12 people. In Matthew's account of this story, we're 254 00:17:25,369 --> 00:17:28,109 Speaker 4: told that the people were amazed with Jesus and responded 255 00:17:28,150 --> 00:17:30,399 Speaker 4: by praising God. For a lot of people, there's a 256 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:33,000 Speaker 4: genuine sense of gratitude, and that's a good response to 257 00:17:33,060 --> 00:17:35,440 Speaker 4: have when God works in our lives, but it shouldn't 258 00:17:35,520 --> 00:17:37,879 Speaker 4: end there. More than being thankful like we would when 259 00:17:37,920 --> 00:17:39,920 Speaker 4: a friend lends us a hand or helps us move, 260 00:17:40,340 --> 00:17:43,040 Speaker 4: God deserves our worship and praise for the wonderful things 261 00:17:43,060 --> 00:17:45,730 Speaker 4: he does in our lives. In Revelation 4, the Apostle 262 00:17:45,790 --> 00:17:48,170 Speaker 4: John records his vision of the throne room of heaven, 263 00:17:48,410 --> 00:17:50,800 Speaker 4: where he writes down the words of 24 elders who 264 00:17:50,859 --> 00:17:53,879 Speaker 4: worship at the feet of God. These 24 elders represent 265 00:17:53,920 --> 00:17:56,840 Speaker 4: the entirety of God's people. In verse 11, we read 266 00:17:56,960 --> 00:17:58,840 Speaker 4: that they are singing, Jesus isn't just someone who does 267 00:17:58,859 --> 00:18:00,580 Speaker 4: good things. He is the embodiment of good, the definition 268 00:18:00,600 --> 00:18:15,840 Speaker 4: of good. This alone should set apart his good works 269 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:18,200 Speaker 4: in our minds as more than mere acts of kindness. 270 00:18:18,660 --> 00:18:21,720 Speaker 4: They're the very power of God moving through our lives 271 00:18:21,780 --> 00:18:25,540 Speaker 4: to bless us physically and spiritually. When God does something 272 00:18:25,720 --> 00:18:29,440 Speaker 4: tremendous in your life, be thankful, but above all, be worshipful. 273 00:18:29,900 --> 00:18:33,119 Speaker 4: Pour out praises to the King of Kings, the creator 274 00:18:33,160 --> 00:18:37,240 Speaker 4: of all things. When Jesus performed miracles, he was affirming 275 00:18:37,300 --> 00:18:40,220 Speaker 4: and proving his divine nature. He wasn't just there to 276 00:18:40,260 --> 00:18:42,500 Speaker 4: help people physically, he was there to lead them to 277 00:18:42,540 --> 00:18:45,730 Speaker 4: salvation and that could only be attained through him as 278 00:18:45,770 --> 00:18:48,330 Speaker 4: the sacrificial Son of God. He was more than a 279 00:18:48,350 --> 00:18:50,909 Speaker 4: miracle worker. He was more than a good teacher. He 280 00:18:50,930 --> 00:18:53,030 Speaker 4: was more than a prophet working with power from heaven. 281 00:18:53,510 --> 00:18:56,600 Speaker 4: The authority that Jesus held and exercised through his teachings 282 00:18:56,630 --> 00:19:00,600 Speaker 4: and miracles were indicative that he had come from heaven 283 00:19:00,640 --> 00:19:03,240 Speaker 4: as the Son of God, sent by the Father and 284 00:19:03,280 --> 00:19:06,340 Speaker 4: filled with the Holy Spirit. The apostles even used this 285 00:19:06,480 --> 00:19:09,200 Speaker 4: as evidence of Jesus' godship on the day of Pentecost. 286 00:19:09,760 --> 00:19:13,020 Speaker 4: In Acts 2.22, Peter says, Fellow Israelites, listen to this. 287 00:19:13,550 --> 00:19:17,250 Speaker 4: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to 288 00:19:17,290 --> 00:19:20,210 Speaker 4: you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among 289 00:19:20,230 --> 00:19:23,409 Speaker 4: you through him, as you yourselves know. But still, Jesus 290 00:19:23,450 --> 00:19:25,830 Speaker 4: performed miracles with the needs of the people held close 291 00:19:25,850 --> 00:19:28,710 Speaker 4: to heart. As always, he was propelled to minister to 292 00:19:28,780 --> 00:19:31,920 Speaker 4: others through compassion. He knew the heavy burdens that each 293 00:19:32,060 --> 00:19:35,320 Speaker 4: heart held. He felt the weight of pain, suffering, and 294 00:19:35,359 --> 00:19:37,659 Speaker 4: those in need of healing. And it's a testament to 295 00:19:37,720 --> 00:19:40,220 Speaker 4: just how much he loves us that before anyone asked 296 00:19:40,240 --> 00:19:42,980 Speaker 4: him to perform this miracle, he recognized the hunger of 297 00:19:43,020 --> 00:19:45,720 Speaker 4: the people after three days with him without a proper meal. 298 00:19:46,330 --> 00:19:48,770 Speaker 4: Unlike many of his other miracles, he didn't wait for 299 00:19:48,830 --> 00:19:51,359 Speaker 4: another to come to him to express their need. He 300 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:55,860 Speaker 4: just simply acted in compassion with tender care. Though God 301 00:19:55,900 --> 00:19:57,860 Speaker 4: wants us to bring him our needs, he doesn't only 302 00:19:57,920 --> 00:20:00,600 Speaker 4: meet them when we ask. Yes, we should be coming 303 00:20:00,619 --> 00:20:02,619 Speaker 4: to God in prayer and supplication as Paul writes in 304 00:20:02,640 --> 00:20:05,889 Speaker 4: Philippians 4.6, but God isn't sitting up in heaven with 305 00:20:05,930 --> 00:20:08,210 Speaker 4: his arms crossed waiting for us to come and beg 306 00:20:08,250 --> 00:20:11,340 Speaker 4: him before he relents in response to our requests. God 307 00:20:11,420 --> 00:20:13,359 Speaker 4: is with us in every moment, and he's aware of 308 00:20:13,380 --> 00:20:15,480 Speaker 4: what we need, and he's working to provide for us 309 00:20:15,859 --> 00:20:18,820 Speaker 4: even before we ask. He will not and cannot leave 310 00:20:18,880 --> 00:20:21,560 Speaker 4: or forsake us. He will always be faithful with us 311 00:20:21,660 --> 00:20:24,980 Speaker 4: because of who he is. It's his nature. So continually 312 00:20:25,030 --> 00:20:27,750 Speaker 4: come to God and remember your dependence upon him, but 313 00:20:27,810 --> 00:20:30,629 Speaker 4: don't think for a second that he isn't already preparing 314 00:20:30,650 --> 00:20:33,129 Speaker 4: a way to satisfy your heart and fulfill your needs. 315 00:20:33,590 --> 00:20:36,229 Speaker 4: Like a loving father, he is proactive and caring for 316 00:20:36,270 --> 00:20:39,240 Speaker 4: his children. It's interesting to note that this is the 317 00:20:39,280 --> 00:20:42,060 Speaker 4: second time Jesus performs a miracle like this. And it 318 00:20:42,109 --> 00:20:44,110 Speaker 4: wasn't because he was like a magician who only had 319 00:20:44,150 --> 00:20:46,730 Speaker 4: a few different types of tricks. Jesus is driving the 320 00:20:46,790 --> 00:20:50,169 Speaker 4: point home. The first time Jesus fed the 5,000, it 321 00:20:50,210 --> 00:20:52,810 Speaker 4: was to a group of Jews. The second time he 322 00:20:52,850 --> 00:20:55,490 Speaker 4: feeds the group of 4,000, it's to a group of Gentiles. 323 00:20:56,109 --> 00:20:58,590 Speaker 4: Jesus came to seek and save the lost, Jew and 324 00:20:58,650 --> 00:21:01,920 Speaker 4: Gentile alike. He came for all the nations. The same 325 00:21:01,960 --> 00:21:05,270 Speaker 4: spiritual food is made available to everybody. Jesus wants to 326 00:21:05,350 --> 00:21:09,080 Speaker 4: satisfy every single nation's need, every single person's need. He 327 00:21:09,100 --> 00:21:11,320 Speaker 4: doesn't choose favorites. He doesn't pick who he's going to 328 00:21:11,340 --> 00:21:13,260 Speaker 4: bless and who he's not going to bless. It all 329 00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:18,149 Speaker 4: requires he sees needs, he meets them. So feel free 330 00:21:18,270 --> 00:21:21,310 Speaker 4: and bold to come to him. Thanks again for listening. 331 00:21:21,590 --> 00:21:24,690 Speaker 4: You know what to do. Follow, subscribe, share with a friend, 332 00:21:25,010 --> 00:21:25,850 Speaker 4: and see you next time.