1 00:00:00,720 --> 00:00:03,940 Speaker 1: I came that they may have life, and may have 2 00:00:03,980 --> 00:00:10,610 Speaker 1: it abundantly. John 10.10 Dear Lord Jesus, In a world 3 00:00:10,670 --> 00:00:14,790 Speaker 1: where shadows linger and the thief seeks to steal, kill, 4 00:00:15,190 --> 00:00:19,569 Speaker 1: and destroy, your promise stands out as a beacon of hope, 5 00:00:20,650 --> 00:00:24,829 Speaker 1: offering us not just life, but an abundant one, filled 6 00:00:24,870 --> 00:00:30,180 Speaker 1: with your presence, peace, and joy. Lord, in the quiet 7 00:00:30,220 --> 00:00:34,480 Speaker 1: moments and amid life's storms, remind us of the fullness 8 00:00:34,520 --> 00:00:38,940 Speaker 1: of life you came to give. Help us to see 9 00:00:38,979 --> 00:00:42,700 Speaker 1: beyond our circumstances to the richness and the depth of 10 00:00:42,780 --> 00:00:48,089 Speaker 1: experience found in walking with you. Teach us to trust 11 00:00:48,150 --> 00:00:51,530 Speaker 1: in your provision, to rest in your peace, and to 12 00:00:51,630 --> 00:00:56,550 Speaker 1: revel in the joy that comes from knowing you. Comfort 13 00:00:56,610 --> 00:00:59,730 Speaker 1: our hearts, Jesus, with the assurance that you are always 14 00:00:59,830 --> 00:01:06,260 Speaker 1: with us, guiding, nurturing, and protecting. May we live each 15 00:01:06,319 --> 00:01:11,440 Speaker 1: day in the abundance you offer, sharing your love and 16 00:01:11,540 --> 00:01:15,720 Speaker 1: light with those around us. Give us the strength to 17 00:01:15,780 --> 00:01:21,360 Speaker 1: resist the thief's lies and the wisdom to embrace the full, 18 00:01:21,620 --> 00:01:26,580 Speaker 1: vibrant life that you came to give. In your precious 19 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:27,500 Speaker 1: name we pray. 20 00:01:29,120 --> 00:01:29,460 Speaker 2: Amen. 21 00:01:31,580 --> 00:01:35,039 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. This is the 22 00:01:35,120 --> 00:01:40,980 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. Epic stories inspired by the Gospels. Remain here 23 00:01:41,060 --> 00:01:46,190 Speaker 1: for another miraculous story. If this podcast has offered value 24 00:01:46,230 --> 00:01:48,750 Speaker 1: to your life, we would love it if you left 25 00:01:48,810 --> 00:01:51,750 Speaker 1: us a review. We want to hear how the Gospel 26 00:01:52,050 --> 00:01:53,510 Speaker 1: is transforming lives. 27 00:01:56,680 --> 00:01:58,800 Speaker 2: Father, be opened. 28 00:01:59,440 --> 00:02:02,980 Speaker 1: The man's eyes went wide, and he jumped back in shock. 29 00:02:03,960 --> 00:02:08,940 Speaker 1: A sound, like thunder, echoed in the man's ears, followed 30 00:02:09,020 --> 00:02:13,519 Speaker 1: by the booming, echoing sound of Jesus' voice and the 31 00:02:13,620 --> 00:02:18,269 Speaker 1: crackling of ear bones snapping into place. The man brought 32 00:02:18,310 --> 00:02:21,190 Speaker 1: his hands to his face with a quick, reactive impulse. 33 00:02:22,730 --> 00:02:27,340 Speaker 1: The sounds of the world roared around him. Birds chirping, 34 00:02:27,740 --> 00:02:32,340 Speaker 1: wind swirling, insects buzzing, and the murmuring of the crowd 35 00:02:32,660 --> 00:02:35,860 Speaker 1: behind him. The man touched his jaw. 36 00:02:36,820 --> 00:02:38,380 Speaker 2: I can hear. 37 00:02:38,900 --> 00:02:42,410 Speaker 1: His words weren't broken coming out of his mouth. It 38 00:02:42,490 --> 00:02:45,389 Speaker 1: was as if he had been speaking his whole life. 39 00:02:46,870 --> 00:02:50,390 Speaker 1: Jesus didn't heal just his ears and mouth, but his 40 00:02:50,550 --> 00:02:56,720 Speaker 1: mind as well. Decades of lost learning had somehow been 41 00:02:56,980 --> 00:03:01,960 Speaker 1: reclaimed in an instant. His jaw and tongue made the 42 00:03:02,000 --> 00:03:06,560 Speaker 1: correct motions. His throat opened and closed at the right time. 43 00:03:08,020 --> 00:03:10,970 Speaker 1: The man was so startled by the sound of his voice, 44 00:03:11,510 --> 00:03:13,330 Speaker 1: he laid a hand on his chest. 45 00:03:13,930 --> 00:03:16,930 Speaker 2: That's... that's me, isn't it? 46 00:03:17,490 --> 00:03:20,590 Speaker 1: It was an odd question, but it didn't feel odd. 47 00:03:21,210 --> 00:03:24,030 Speaker 1: He had never heard the sound of his voice before. 48 00:03:25,410 --> 00:03:30,510 Speaker 1: Tears formed in the corners of his eyes. Jesus stood 49 00:03:30,570 --> 00:03:33,710 Speaker 1: up and helped the man onto his feet. He placed 50 00:03:33,770 --> 00:03:36,010 Speaker 1: his hands on the man's shoulders and said. 51 00:03:36,630 --> 00:03:39,250 Speaker 2: I know you can speak, but tell no one what 52 00:03:39,290 --> 00:03:41,750 Speaker 2: has happened here. This is just between us. 53 00:03:42,270 --> 00:03:45,620 Speaker 1: The man looked back at the crowd. They were watching 54 00:03:45,660 --> 00:03:50,240 Speaker 1: from a distance in anticipation. He looked back at Jesus 55 00:03:50,320 --> 00:03:50,640 Speaker 1: and said. 56 00:03:51,220 --> 00:03:52,320 Speaker 2: How is this possible? 57 00:03:53,060 --> 00:03:53,720 Speaker 1: They'll know. 58 00:03:54,200 --> 00:03:55,020 Speaker 2: Try your best. 59 00:03:55,620 --> 00:04:00,460 Speaker 1: Jesus replied with a wink and smile. The two of 60 00:04:00,500 --> 00:04:03,020 Speaker 1: them walked back to the road where the crowd waited 61 00:04:03,140 --> 00:04:07,780 Speaker 1: with bated breath to see what had happened. The young 62 00:04:07,840 --> 00:04:11,970 Speaker 1: man met his father's gaze and immediately welled up with 63 00:04:12,110 --> 00:04:17,070 Speaker 1: joyful tears. He ran to him and yelled, Father! He 64 00:04:17,130 --> 00:04:21,429 Speaker 1: couldn't help it. His voice couldn't be tethered any longer. 65 00:04:23,190 --> 00:04:27,520 Speaker 1: Jesus chuckled. figuring that it was only a matter of time. 66 00:04:29,279 --> 00:04:35,820 Speaker 1: The crowd collectively gasped, then erupted in cheers. The old 67 00:04:35,940 --> 00:04:39,680 Speaker 1: man limped toward his son and held him. The two 68 00:04:39,980 --> 00:04:45,570 Speaker 1: embraced for a long while, laughing and sobbing. The crowd 69 00:04:45,770 --> 00:04:46,450 Speaker 1: was amazed. 70 00:04:46,730 --> 00:04:49,050 Speaker 2: What does this mean? What else can he do? 71 00:04:49,470 --> 00:04:52,530 Speaker 1: Jesus stretched out his arms and settled them down. 72 00:04:53,110 --> 00:04:56,210 Speaker 2: My friends, please, I beg you not to tell anyone 73 00:04:56,250 --> 00:04:58,490 Speaker 2: what you've seen today. Let it be a blessing to 74 00:04:58,570 --> 00:05:02,830 Speaker 2: your hearts. Meditate on this and consider the goodness of 75 00:05:02,890 --> 00:05:06,369 Speaker 2: God that he would grant this man his ears and voice. 76 00:05:07,170 --> 00:05:12,110 Speaker 2: Let it stir you to quiet praise. But please, hold 77 00:05:12,170 --> 00:05:14,169 Speaker 2: your tongues about what you've. 78 00:05:13,980 --> 00:05:18,539 Speaker 1: Seen and heard. Peter and the others chuckled slightly. They 79 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:22,490 Speaker 1: knew better. People never kept quiet. no matter how much 80 00:05:22,589 --> 00:05:27,830 Speaker 1: Jesus charged them to remain silent. Good news spreads like 81 00:05:27,890 --> 00:05:31,460 Speaker 1: the common cold. He turned to the others. 82 00:05:31,260 --> 00:05:34,080 Speaker 2: And said, Prepare yourselves for an onslaught of people. 83 00:05:34,660 --> 00:05:38,960 Speaker 1: They all nodded their heads. They wouldn't get another mile 84 00:05:39,320 --> 00:05:45,650 Speaker 1: without thousands of people flocking to see Jesus. This was 85 00:05:45,730 --> 00:05:48,450 Speaker 1: the beginning of something glorious. 86 00:05:53,260 --> 00:05:54,820 Speaker 3: Do you believe that God cares for all your needs? 87 00:05:55,279 --> 00:05:58,160 Speaker 3: Sometimes we feel small, resulting in feeling like some of 88 00:05:58,220 --> 00:06:01,060 Speaker 3: our needs are insignificant to a God bigger than the universe. 89 00:06:01,670 --> 00:06:04,200 Speaker 3: Even David considers this in Psalm 8, 3-4. He writes this, 90 00:06:04,250 --> 00:06:06,730 Speaker 3: But Jesus reminds us time and time again that our 91 00:06:06,770 --> 00:06:08,530 Speaker 3: Heavenly Father knows what we need, and He'll provide for 92 00:06:08,550 --> 00:06:25,680 Speaker 3: us if we seek Him. You're listening to The Jesus Podcast, 93 00:06:25,940 --> 00:06:28,270 Speaker 3: a year of story showcasing the depth of Christ's love 94 00:06:28,290 --> 00:06:31,790 Speaker 3: through storytelling and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. 95 00:06:32,350 --> 00:06:34,570 Speaker 3: I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com. Thanks for joining us 96 00:06:34,630 --> 00:06:38,870 Speaker 3: today for another epic story all about Jesus. If you 97 00:06:38,910 --> 00:06:40,920 Speaker 3: want to help keep these stories coming, make sure to 98 00:06:40,950 --> 00:06:43,380 Speaker 3: follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with 99 00:06:43,440 --> 00:06:46,940 Speaker 3: a friend. The podcast space is hard and crowded, so 100 00:06:47,140 --> 00:06:50,040 Speaker 3: these tiny little steps that you make as followers really 101 00:06:50,080 --> 00:06:51,880 Speaker 3: helps us out. So thanks for being a part of 102 00:06:51,900 --> 00:06:55,589 Speaker 3: the movement. Today's story might sound a little familiar, if 103 00:06:55,630 --> 00:06:57,830 Speaker 3: you've been following along with our series through the miracles 104 00:06:57,870 --> 00:07:02,460 Speaker 3: of the Messiah. While Jesus has already miraculously fed around 105 00:07:02,460 --> 00:07:05,000 Speaker 3: 5,000 men plus women and children, we'll see him once 106 00:07:05,060 --> 00:07:08,240 Speaker 3: again feed a similarly sized gathering. But don't let that 107 00:07:08,279 --> 00:07:10,680 Speaker 3: stop you from being swept away in the moving story 108 00:07:10,780 --> 00:07:14,470 Speaker 3: of Jesus' compassion and care. The story takes place shortly 109 00:07:14,530 --> 00:07:17,030 Speaker 3: after Jesus heals the deaf and mute man in Decapolis. 110 00:07:17,530 --> 00:07:20,850 Speaker 3: As Jesus anticipated, Word of his miracles spread quickly throughout 111 00:07:20,870 --> 00:07:24,800 Speaker 3: the surrounding cities, and people were ecstatic to see and 112 00:07:24,830 --> 00:07:28,240 Speaker 3: experience the healer's power for themselves. We'll have a chance 113 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:31,160 Speaker 3: to see the disciples' growth over time as we see 114 00:07:31,180 --> 00:07:34,820 Speaker 3: them acknowledging the familiarity of this scenario, but this time 115 00:07:34,920 --> 00:07:38,090 Speaker 3: with a better understanding of Jesus' intentions and ready to 116 00:07:38,130 --> 00:07:41,710 Speaker 3: jump in to participate in another miracle with their Messiah. 117 00:07:44,570 --> 00:07:47,050 Speaker 1: This was the first time they had witnessed something like it. 118 00:07:47,890 --> 00:07:53,030 Speaker 1: a man of power, compassion, and love. People flocked to him, 119 00:07:53,630 --> 00:08:00,010 Speaker 1: reaching forward with desperate cries for help. Jesus smiled and 120 00:08:00,130 --> 00:08:05,150 Speaker 1: welcomed each of them. The disciples were anxious about the crowds, 121 00:08:05,890 --> 00:08:11,410 Speaker 1: but Jesus' calm gave them peace. He wasn't flustered. If 122 00:08:11,470 --> 00:08:14,990 Speaker 1: he wasn't flustered, then they had no reason to fear either. 123 00:08:15,550 --> 00:08:18,150 Speaker 1: Wanted to tie him. Jesus will see all of you. 124 00:08:18,650 --> 00:08:21,490 Speaker 1: A line of people coiled around the mountain's base like 125 00:08:21,530 --> 00:08:25,310 Speaker 1: a winding river. Peter smiled and ran his hands through 126 00:08:25,330 --> 00:08:29,400 Speaker 1: his beard. He nudged Matthew and pointed to them. What 127 00:08:29,420 --> 00:08:30,100 Speaker 1: did I tell you? 128 00:08:30,660 --> 00:08:31,340 Speaker 2: An onslaught. 129 00:08:31,760 --> 00:08:34,660 Speaker 1: They brought their lame and their sick. They brought the 130 00:08:34,679 --> 00:08:38,180 Speaker 1: blind and the mute. They laid them at Jesus' feet, 131 00:08:38,820 --> 00:08:41,040 Speaker 1: hopeful he would heal them as he did the mute 132 00:08:41,260 --> 00:08:45,490 Speaker 1: and deaf man. Jesus sat in the sun and spoke 133 00:08:45,510 --> 00:08:49,530 Speaker 1: to them individually. He wasn't in a rush. There was 134 00:08:49,620 --> 00:08:53,880 Speaker 1: plenty of time. Peter stood by his side, just in case. 135 00:08:54,740 --> 00:08:58,240 Speaker 1: And what started as dozens of people turned into hundreds, 136 00:08:58,760 --> 00:09:07,200 Speaker 1: and then thousands. The whole hillside was covered with people. Jews, Gentiles, Greeks, barbarians. 137 00:09:08,520 --> 00:09:12,120 Speaker 1: The Decapolis emptied into the valley like a broken cistern. 138 00:09:12,950 --> 00:09:17,010 Speaker 1: Over 4,000 men and thousands of other women and children 139 00:09:18,410 --> 00:09:21,310 Speaker 1: on the move. Peter mused with a humongous smile. 140 00:09:21,870 --> 00:09:24,620 Speaker 2: Look at what's happening. There could be no turning back 141 00:09:24,650 --> 00:09:28,540 Speaker 2: into something like this. If people in the Decapolis receive him, 142 00:09:29,140 --> 00:09:31,220 Speaker 2: then the entire world soon will. 143 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:36,199 Speaker 1: Everyone from town marveled at him, speechless as they saw 144 00:09:36,260 --> 00:09:39,560 Speaker 1: the mute speak freely for the first time, and the 145 00:09:39,620 --> 00:09:44,780 Speaker 1: lame dance up and down the grassy hills. Children, once blind, 146 00:09:45,120 --> 00:09:48,020 Speaker 1: made eye contact with their mothers for the first time 147 00:09:48,900 --> 00:09:52,309 Speaker 1: The girl with broken knees ran into her father's embrace. 148 00:09:53,210 --> 00:09:56,400 Speaker 1: Tears streamed down Philip's cheeks as he beheld it all. 149 00:09:57,500 --> 00:10:01,740 Speaker 1: He raised his hands and smiled. There has never been 150 00:10:01,980 --> 00:10:06,730 Speaker 1: anyone like him. The disciples looked at Jesus. They weren't 151 00:10:06,760 --> 00:10:10,050 Speaker 1: just in awe of him. They wondered what else was 152 00:10:10,150 --> 00:10:14,950 Speaker 1: in store. Gentiles shouted and praised the Lord for the 153 00:10:14,990 --> 00:10:19,170 Speaker 1: first time in their lives. Jews sat and embraced Greeks. 154 00:10:19,670 --> 00:10:24,800 Speaker 1: and Roman soldiers cheered when beggars were healed. In this 155 00:10:24,920 --> 00:10:31,260 Speaker 1: space and time, heaven was meeting earth, just as Jesus promised. 156 00:10:32,700 --> 00:10:35,179 Speaker 1: He had told them the kingdom of heaven was at hand. 157 00:10:36,059 --> 00:10:40,300 Speaker 1: And now, here, with thousands of people of different cultures 158 00:10:40,380 --> 00:10:48,370 Speaker 1: and creeds collectively praising God, heaven was near. Hours passed 159 00:10:48,530 --> 00:10:52,600 Speaker 1: into a day. Yet more people were still arriving by 160 00:10:52,630 --> 00:10:58,100 Speaker 1: the minute, eager to hear Jesus preach. The disciples pitched 161 00:10:58,160 --> 00:11:02,140 Speaker 1: tents and lit torches. To a random onlooker, it almost 162 00:11:02,200 --> 00:11:05,680 Speaker 1: looked like a battle camp. But the only sword being 163 00:11:05,740 --> 00:11:10,220 Speaker 1: drawn was the word of God, cutting through the flesh 164 00:11:10,500 --> 00:11:16,040 Speaker 1: straight into the hearts of men. Three days passed, and 165 00:11:16,059 --> 00:11:20,900 Speaker 1: the crowds still hadn't dissipated. Each moment was a new miracle, 166 00:11:21,540 --> 00:11:27,280 Speaker 1: a new teaching, a new sign from God. Jesus stood 167 00:11:27,420 --> 00:11:31,550 Speaker 1: amid the gentle crowd, never too tired, never shortening his 168 00:11:31,590 --> 00:11:35,630 Speaker 1: time with them. What could have been a disaster was 169 00:11:35,670 --> 00:11:40,510 Speaker 1: surprisingly calm. No brawls or arguments broke out among them. 170 00:11:41,650 --> 00:11:46,819 Speaker 1: It seemed like everyone understood the moment. These miracles were 171 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:51,610 Speaker 1: more significant than any single person They had to share 172 00:11:51,630 --> 00:11:57,010 Speaker 1: this moment. Time passed, and Jesus was ready to return 173 00:11:57,080 --> 00:12:00,099 Speaker 1: them to their homes. But most of them had gone 174 00:12:00,360 --> 00:12:05,220 Speaker 1: all this time without food. Jesus was worried for their health. 175 00:12:06,559 --> 00:12:10,179 Speaker 1: They couldn't return without nourishment. They'd fall by the wayside. 176 00:12:10,860 --> 00:12:14,280 Speaker 1: They can't travel home like this, Jesus said to his disciples, 177 00:12:14,920 --> 00:12:17,690 Speaker 1: gesturing to the thousands of people lacing the valley. 178 00:12:18,210 --> 00:12:20,589 Speaker 2: They've been with me for three days without a proper meal. 179 00:12:21,230 --> 00:12:23,970 Speaker 2: They'll faint on the road if they leave now. Let's 180 00:12:24,010 --> 00:12:25,209 Speaker 2: give them something to eat. 181 00:12:25,670 --> 00:12:29,890 Speaker 1: The disciples were tired. They couldn't fathom feeding that many 182 00:12:29,970 --> 00:12:34,930 Speaker 1: people after three days of organizing them. Peter looked down 183 00:12:34,970 --> 00:12:37,450 Speaker 1: the slope at the thousands of people seated on the 184 00:12:37,490 --> 00:12:38,190 Speaker 1: side of the hill. 185 00:12:38,870 --> 00:12:40,750 Speaker 2: Where are we going to get enough bread to feed 186 00:12:40,790 --> 00:12:43,189 Speaker 2: them in such a desolate place as this? 187 00:12:43,890 --> 00:12:45,219 Speaker 1: Jesus called for Philip. 188 00:12:45,720 --> 00:12:47,849 Speaker 2: How much food do we have? Is there enough to 189 00:12:47,910 --> 00:12:48,610 Speaker 2: feed these people? 190 00:12:49,130 --> 00:12:53,189 Speaker 1: Philip smiled, like listening to a story he already knew 191 00:12:53,210 --> 00:12:54,449 Speaker 1: the happy ending to. 192 00:12:55,650 --> 00:12:58,969 Speaker 2: We have seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. 193 00:12:59,670 --> 00:13:03,070 Speaker 1: The rest of the disciples looked at each other, realizing 194 00:13:03,750 --> 00:13:08,829 Speaker 1: they had heard this all before. Jesus returned Philip's smile 195 00:13:09,350 --> 00:13:10,229 Speaker 1: and turned to the crowd. 196 00:13:11,070 --> 00:13:15,170 Speaker 2: Everyone, sit. Now, before you return to your homes and 197 00:13:15,250 --> 00:13:18,250 Speaker 2: share the good news I've told you, Enjoy a meal. 198 00:13:18,630 --> 00:13:22,010 Speaker 2: Your souls have been nourished. But now it's time to 199 00:13:22,070 --> 00:13:23,330 Speaker 2: replenish the body. 200 00:13:23,809 --> 00:13:26,670 Speaker 1: The crowd sat, squinting up at him in the sunlight. 201 00:13:27,929 --> 00:13:32,120 Speaker 1: A hush settled over them. They fell so quiet you 202 00:13:32,160 --> 00:13:34,980 Speaker 1: could hear the wind stirring the reeds in the grass. 203 00:13:36,940 --> 00:13:40,420 Speaker 1: Jesus took the basket of seven loaves and gave thanks 204 00:13:40,480 --> 00:13:40,750 Speaker 1: for it. 205 00:13:41,580 --> 00:13:46,300 Speaker 2: Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe. 206 00:13:47,120 --> 00:13:53,310 Speaker 2: who brings forth bread from the earth. Give us nourishment, life, 207 00:13:54,030 --> 00:13:58,620 Speaker 2: and purpose in you, for yours is the kingdom and 208 00:13:58,630 --> 00:14:01,580 Speaker 2: the glory and the power forever. 209 00:14:02,679 --> 00:14:06,220 Speaker 1: Amen. Jesus broke the bread into pieces with his hands 210 00:14:06,740 --> 00:14:10,500 Speaker 1: and gave it back to his disciples. The men each 211 00:14:10,570 --> 00:14:13,310 Speaker 1: went in a different direction with their bread and handed 212 00:14:13,370 --> 00:14:16,740 Speaker 1: it off to different sections of the crowd. They broke it, 213 00:14:17,070 --> 00:14:19,930 Speaker 1: passed it on, and broke it, and passed it on. 214 00:14:21,130 --> 00:14:25,100 Speaker 1: The loaves and the fish traveled through the crowds into hundreds, 215 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:31,520 Speaker 1: past thousands. It continued down through the crowd until everyone 216 00:14:31,980 --> 00:14:37,400 Speaker 1: was fed. Peter squinted in the sunlight, estimating the number 217 00:14:37,470 --> 00:14:42,150 Speaker 1: of them. At least 4,000 families were fed, tens of 218 00:14:42,290 --> 00:14:48,190 Speaker 1: thousands of people with full bellies. Philip tore a piece 219 00:14:48,230 --> 00:14:52,620 Speaker 1: for himself. He folded it into his mouth and its buttery, 220 00:14:52,740 --> 00:14:56,020 Speaker 1: creamy mixture melted on his tongue and down his throat. 221 00:14:57,380 --> 00:15:03,480 Speaker 1: He had never tasted something so wonderful, so satisfying. Perhaps 222 00:15:03,580 --> 00:15:06,119 Speaker 1: it was the lack of sleep or the fact it 223 00:15:06,160 --> 00:15:10,080 Speaker 1: had almost appeared out of nowhere like manna from heaven. 224 00:15:11,590 --> 00:15:15,030 Speaker 1: It was hard to resist not taking another bite and another. 225 00:15:16,870 --> 00:15:21,560 Speaker 1: He scanned the crowds, once again amazed at Jesus' power. 226 00:15:22,980 --> 00:15:29,080 Speaker 1: Everyone ate mouths full of bread. The disciples reassembled with 227 00:15:29,140 --> 00:15:33,710 Speaker 1: Jesus and brought, strangely, more food back with them than 228 00:15:33,750 --> 00:15:38,190 Speaker 1: they had departed with. They each looked from basket to basket, 229 00:15:38,970 --> 00:15:45,020 Speaker 1: seeing seven full baskets of broken pieces afterward. Seven. The 230 00:15:45,080 --> 00:15:51,230 Speaker 1: number of completions. Seven loaves turned into seven baskets. He's 231 00:15:51,330 --> 00:15:53,990 Speaker 1: done it again, Peter whispered to Philip. 232 00:15:54,270 --> 00:15:55,270 Speaker 2: He already healed them. 233 00:15:56,190 --> 00:15:57,590 Speaker 1: He gave them more than enough. 234 00:15:58,730 --> 00:16:01,130 Speaker 2: Still, he gave them more. 235 00:16:01,690 --> 00:16:05,980 Speaker 1: Jesus glanced at Peter and Philip. His eyes sparkled with joy. 236 00:16:06,000 --> 00:16:11,040 Speaker 2: I haven't just come to give life, but life more abundantly. 237 00:16:11,640 --> 00:16:17,580 Speaker 1: Then, Jesus sent the crowd away with full bellies. And 238 00:16:17,620 --> 00:16:20,720 Speaker 1: there was still some sunlight in the sky for their 239 00:16:20,780 --> 00:16:21,340 Speaker 1: way home. 240 00:16:25,240 --> 00:16:28,580 Speaker 3: As if feeding 5,000 people wasn't an incredible act, Jesus 241 00:16:28,680 --> 00:16:31,850 Speaker 3: astounds once again by feeding a crowd of 4,000 men 242 00:16:32,120 --> 00:16:34,850 Speaker 3: after he had already spent all day with them healing 243 00:16:34,890 --> 00:16:39,130 Speaker 3: their sick, lame, blind, deaf, and mute. Miracle after miracle 244 00:16:39,270 --> 00:16:41,670 Speaker 3: after miracle came forth from the hands of the healer. 245 00:16:42,070 --> 00:16:45,650 Speaker 3: But Jesus wanted his disciples to learn that he always 246 00:16:45,850 --> 00:16:49,130 Speaker 3: had more to give. He wanted to show them that 247 00:16:49,150 --> 00:16:52,110 Speaker 3: the work was never done. In Matthew 9, we're told 248 00:16:52,150 --> 00:16:55,250 Speaker 3: that Jesus had compassion for the people, viewing them as 249 00:16:55,430 --> 00:16:58,190 Speaker 3: sheep without a shepherd. And it was with that compassion 250 00:16:58,290 --> 00:17:00,370 Speaker 3: that he turned to his disciples and said, The harvest 251 00:17:00,410 --> 00:17:03,080 Speaker 3: is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord 252 00:17:03,100 --> 00:17:05,899 Speaker 3: of the harvest, therefore, to send workers into the harvest field. 253 00:17:06,560 --> 00:17:10,520 Speaker 3: The disciples were quickly learning that Jesus' words weren't an exaggeration. 254 00:17:11,040 --> 00:17:14,440 Speaker 3: There were thousands in Decapolis alone and millions more around 255 00:17:14,460 --> 00:17:17,510 Speaker 3: the world who would need the healing power of the gospel. 256 00:17:17,950 --> 00:17:20,209 Speaker 3: But the workers are few and that's almost an understatement 257 00:17:20,310 --> 00:17:24,170 Speaker 3: considering that they began with only 12 people. In Matthew's 258 00:17:24,210 --> 00:17:26,390 Speaker 3: account of this story, we're told that the people were 259 00:17:26,430 --> 00:17:29,639 Speaker 3: amazed with Jesus and responded by praising God. For a 260 00:17:29,660 --> 00:17:32,100 Speaker 3: lot of people, there's a genuine sense of gratitude and 261 00:17:32,240 --> 00:17:34,100 Speaker 3: that's a good response to have when God works in 262 00:17:34,140 --> 00:17:36,760 Speaker 3: our lives, but it shouldn't end there. More than being 263 00:17:36,780 --> 00:17:38,800 Speaker 3: thankful like we would when a friend lends us a 264 00:17:38,820 --> 00:17:41,619 Speaker 3: hand or helps us move, God deserves our worship and 265 00:17:41,740 --> 00:17:43,859 Speaker 3: praise for the wonderful things he does in our lives. 266 00:17:44,300 --> 00:17:47,139 Speaker 3: In Revelation 4, the apostle John records his vision of 267 00:17:47,180 --> 00:17:49,260 Speaker 3: the throne room of heaven, where he writes down the 268 00:17:49,300 --> 00:17:51,920 Speaker 3: words of 24 elders who worship at the feet of God. 269 00:17:52,300 --> 00:17:55,740 Speaker 3: These 24 elders represent the entirety of God's people. In 270 00:17:55,760 --> 00:17:58,640 Speaker 3: verse 11, we read that they are singing, You are worthy, 271 00:17:58,720 --> 00:18:01,189 Speaker 3: our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, 272 00:18:01,230 --> 00:18:04,149 Speaker 3: for you created all things, and by your will they 273 00:18:04,170 --> 00:18:07,990 Speaker 3: were created and have their being. Jesus isn't just someone 274 00:18:08,030 --> 00:18:11,270 Speaker 3: who does good things. He is the embodiment of good, 275 00:18:11,630 --> 00:18:15,379 Speaker 3: the definition of good. This alone should set apart his 276 00:18:15,390 --> 00:18:17,620 Speaker 3: good works in our minds as more than mere acts 277 00:18:17,660 --> 00:18:21,300 Speaker 3: of kindness. They're the very power of God moving through 278 00:18:21,340 --> 00:18:24,980 Speaker 3: our lives to bless us physically and spiritually. When God 279 00:18:25,040 --> 00:18:28,500 Speaker 3: does something tremendous in your life, be thankful, but above all, 280 00:18:28,880 --> 00:18:32,060 Speaker 3: be worshipful. Pour out praises to the King of Kings, 281 00:18:32,420 --> 00:18:36,510 Speaker 3: the creator of all things. When Jesus performed miracles, he 282 00:18:36,550 --> 00:18:39,830 Speaker 3: was affirming and proving his divine nature. He wasn't just 283 00:18:39,890 --> 00:18:42,210 Speaker 3: there to help people physically. He was there to lead 284 00:18:42,260 --> 00:18:45,260 Speaker 3: them to salvation that could only be attained through him 285 00:18:45,660 --> 00:18:48,300 Speaker 3: as the sacrificial son of God. He was more than 286 00:18:48,320 --> 00:18:50,379 Speaker 3: a miracle worker. He was more than a good teacher. 287 00:18:50,859 --> 00:18:53,040 Speaker 3: He was more than a prophet working with power from heaven. 288 00:18:53,520 --> 00:18:56,600 Speaker 3: The authority that Jesus held and exercised through his teachings 289 00:18:56,660 --> 00:19:00,600 Speaker 3: and miracles were indicative that he had come from heaven 290 00:19:00,660 --> 00:19:03,240 Speaker 3: as the son of God, sent by the Father and 291 00:19:03,280 --> 00:19:06,340 Speaker 3: filled with the Holy Spirit. The apostles even used this 292 00:19:06,480 --> 00:19:09,200 Speaker 3: as evidence of Jesus' godship on the day of Pentecost. 293 00:19:09,760 --> 00:19:12,200 Speaker 3: In Acts 2.22, Peter says, But still, Jesus performed miracles 294 00:19:12,220 --> 00:19:14,619 Speaker 3: with the needs of the people held close to heart. 295 00:19:15,020 --> 00:19:18,310 Speaker 3: As always, he was propelled to minister to others through compassion. 296 00:19:18,350 --> 00:19:33,550 Speaker 3: He knew the heavy burdens that each heart held. He 297 00:19:33,590 --> 00:19:35,810 Speaker 3: felt the weight of pain, suffering, and those in need 298 00:19:35,850 --> 00:19:38,360 Speaker 3: of healing. And it's a testament to just how much 299 00:19:38,410 --> 00:19:40,859 Speaker 3: he loves us that before anyone asked him to perform 300 00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:43,680 Speaker 3: this miracle, he recognized the hunger of the people after 301 00:19:43,740 --> 00:19:46,850 Speaker 3: three days with him without a proper meal. Unlike many 302 00:19:46,890 --> 00:19:49,290 Speaker 3: of his other miracles, he didn't wait for another to 303 00:19:49,369 --> 00:19:51,909 Speaker 3: come to him to express their need. He just simply 304 00:19:52,170 --> 00:19:56,240 Speaker 3: acted in compassion with tender care. Though God wants us 305 00:19:56,260 --> 00:19:58,300 Speaker 3: to bring him our needs, he doesn't only meet them 306 00:19:58,340 --> 00:20:00,880 Speaker 3: when we ask. Yes, we should be coming to God 307 00:20:00,920 --> 00:20:04,250 Speaker 3: in prayer and supplication as Paul writes in Philippians 4.6, 308 00:20:04,250 --> 00:20:06,629 Speaker 3: But God isn't sitting up in heaven with his arms crossed, 309 00:20:06,990 --> 00:20:08,869 Speaker 3: waiting for us to come and beg him before he 310 00:20:08,910 --> 00:20:11,859 Speaker 3: relents in response to our requests. God is with us 311 00:20:11,900 --> 00:20:13,880 Speaker 3: in every moment, and he's aware of what we need, 312 00:20:14,140 --> 00:20:16,760 Speaker 3: and he's working to provide for us even before we ask. 313 00:20:17,380 --> 00:20:19,000 Speaker 3: He will not and cannot leave. 314 00:20:18,900 --> 00:20:19,540 Speaker 1: Or forsake us. 315 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:22,580 Speaker 3: He will always be faithful with us because of who 316 00:20:22,600 --> 00:20:25,530 Speaker 3: he is. It's his nature. So continually come to God 317 00:20:25,550 --> 00:20:28,370 Speaker 3: and remember your dependence upon him, but don't think for 318 00:20:28,390 --> 00:20:31,250 Speaker 3: a second that he isn't already preparing a way to 319 00:20:31,350 --> 00:20:34,389 Speaker 3: satisfy your heart and fulfill your needs. Like a loving father, 320 00:20:34,740 --> 00:20:38,440 Speaker 3: he is proactive and caring for his children. It's interesting 321 00:20:38,460 --> 00:20:40,580 Speaker 3: to note that this is the second time Jesus performs 322 00:20:40,600 --> 00:20:42,899 Speaker 3: a miracle like this. And it wasn't because he was 323 00:20:42,940 --> 00:20:44,760 Speaker 3: like a magician who only had a few different types 324 00:20:44,800 --> 00:20:48,040 Speaker 3: of tricks. Jesus is driving a point home. The first 325 00:20:48,100 --> 00:20:50,780 Speaker 3: time Jesus fed the 5,000, it was to a group 326 00:20:50,820 --> 00:20:53,610 Speaker 3: of Jews. The second time he feeds the group of 4,000, 327 00:20:53,609 --> 00:20:56,990 Speaker 3: it's to a group of Gentiles. Jesus came to seek 328 00:20:57,030 --> 00:21:00,230 Speaker 3: and save the lost, Jew and Gentile alike. He came 329 00:21:00,250 --> 00:21:03,070 Speaker 3: for all the nations. The same spiritual food is made 330 00:21:03,109 --> 00:21:07,310 Speaker 3: available to everybody. Jesus wants to satisfy every single nation's need, 331 00:21:07,350 --> 00:21:10,680 Speaker 3: every single person's need. He doesn't choose favorites. He doesn't 332 00:21:10,740 --> 00:21:12,060 Speaker 3: pick who he's going to bless and who he's not 333 00:21:12,080 --> 00:21:15,980 Speaker 3: going to bless. It all requires he sees needs, he 334 00:21:16,040 --> 00:21:19,619 Speaker 3: meets them. So feel free and bold to come to him. 335 00:21:20,430 --> 00:21:23,710 Speaker 3: Thanks again for listening. You know what to do. Follow, subscribe, 336 00:21:23,990 --> 00:21:25,870 Speaker 3: share with a friend, and see you next time.