To Make Disciples, You Must Be Merciful

Matthew 15:29-39

            I’ve not been feeling well for the last few months. At times, it’s been hard to think clearly; other times, it’s hard to have energy for any kind of work. I don’t enjoy this season of life. But what has been such a joy is the help from others, especially my family and my church. But there’s also been a few people who I have had brief conversations, and yet, they help. They pray with me and for me; they’ve sent money to help pay medical bills. Nobody likes to be in misery, but that’s when we receive mercy.

            Jesus is merciful. His response to the misery of people is more than simply a feeling of compassion. Mercy means to act with compassion to relieve that misery. And if Jesus is merciful, then you will be merciful if you follow Him.

#1.  Jesus has compassion on the crowds and heals the sick (v. 29-31)

Jesus was again alone, but again, the crowds came to Jesus. He doesn’t push them away, asking for a bit of personal time. Instead, He heals them. Matthew four groups of people needing healing: lame, crippled, blind, and mute (v. 30). All four are healed, much like we see Jesus heal various ailments in Matthew 4:23-25.

The biggest point of these miracles is the glory going to the God of Israel. The crowds know that God is doing something in their midst. Jesus is more than a nice person or a good teacher. He is a messenger sent from God!

#2.  Jesus has compassion on the crowds and seeks to feed them (v. 32-34)

Jesus and the crowds have been with each other for 3 days. That’s a lot of healing. Probably some teaching from Jesus as well. But it’s not a lot of eating. Options for feeding such a large crowd were pretty slim to none; no fast food restaurants or bulk food stores nearby.

            As a former tax collector, it’s not too surprising that Matthew will number the crowd for us; we find the total of 4,000 in v. 38. Pause for a moment to consider all the logistics of trying to feed so many people: you have to have food. Place to eat. Clean up effort. Supplies and equipment to cook the food. And ideally, you would want to provide the meal to everyone at the same time.

            Jesus not only has compassion for the crowds, He’s ready to act. But He turns first to His disciples. Perhaps they had forgotten that Jesus had fed a crowd of 5,000 before. But for sure, the disciples realize this is beyond them. There is no way they can take care of this big of a problem.

            In verse 34, Jesus has to point blank ask the disciples how much bread they have. The disciples didn’t volunteer this information; perhaps they were keeping the food to themselves. Seven loaves and few small fish is not much for 13 men; it certainly is not enough for a crowd of 4,000.

#3.  From So Little, Jesus Feeds 4,000 (v. 35-39)

            Jesus directs the people to sit down, takes the meager amount of food, and gives thanks to God. Again, we see how important prayer is to Jesus, the Son of God. After acknowledging God’s provision, Jesus begins His miracle of feeding 4,000. I would love to taste this food for myself. Even more, I would love to watch Jesus’ hands. How did this miracle actually work?

            However long it took, the pieces of the bread and fish were broken and passed out. There was plenty of food, even for the hungriest of them. Everyone ate until full, and even then, seven large baskets of leftovers were found. When Jesus provides, He doesn’t come short!

            What’s interesting is that the crowd doesn’t glorify the God of Israel. They are instead sent away without any response or comment.

Jesus shows compassion and mercy on the crowds. He gives them of His time, His power, and His provision. He takes the little that the disciples has and gives it away. No response is required.

To follow Jesus in a life of mercy means we must give of what we have to meet the needs around us.