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RLS Chapel, February 3, 2017 - St. Matthew 14:13-21

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Posted: Friday, February 3rd, 2017 by Pastor Westgate

The Epiphany season is almost over. During this time we learn Jesus is both God and Man. He is 100% God from all eternity and 100% man ever since He was conceived in Mary’s womb. Today’s Gospel, Jesus feeding 5000 men, shows just that.

They’d followed Jesus to this mountain. He wanted to get away from them, just like you can’t wait to get away from school for the weekend. But He wasn’t mad they’d followed Him like you’d be if you had to go to school tomorrow. No, He had compassion on them and healed all the sick. Then it was time to send them home for supper, but it was too late! What to do?

Feed them! But what? They didn’t bring anything! St. Andrew found a boy with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. But that’s not quite what you think it is. They were 5 loaves of not the best quality bread. They were made of barley, not wheat. And the fish? They were little. You’re not going to feed many, and you’re not going to feed them very well, with that!

But Jesus used that. And He used that very well. He fed all those people, 5000 men, so 5000 families. That’s 20,000 people just if husband and wife had 2 kids, and they probably had many more! Maybe He fed 100,000 or even more! And he fed them very well, so well they were fully nourished and filled and the disciples then filled up 12 big baskets with the left-overs!

Jesus is able to do this because He’s God Who created all things. He created you! He’s given you everything you have: family, friends, teachers, school, food, drink, clothes, pets, you name it, He’s given it to you. He does it because He has compassion on you. What does that mean? He loves you and wants to care for you. He doesn’t want you to be helpless. He wants to always help you. So He gives you everything you need, and birthday and Christmas gifts too.

Most importantly, He gives you eternal life. You can see Jesus’ love and compassion for you most clearly by seeing His Cross. That’s how you know He loves you. He died for you. Your sins are forgiven. So come to Him; He will never leave you. He will always care for you.

Categories: Pastor Westgate's Sermons

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