Remembering the Compassion of Jesus
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remembering Jesus' compassion and provision in times of doubt and struggle.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of remembering the compassion of Jesus, especially in times of personal doubt and exhaustion. He recounts the scene where Jesus, moved by the plight of the multitudes, healed their sick and fed them, demonstrating His willingness to intervene in our struggles. Despite the disciples' worries about bread after witnessing a miracle, Jesus reproached them for their lack of understanding. This sermon serves as a reminder that even when we feel overwhelmed, we should trust in Jesus' compassion and His ability to provide for our needs. The Holy Spirit encourages us to recall the miracles of Jesus and to believe in His willingness to help us in our own challenges.
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It is possible to say, "I believe God can do the impossible," and yet be unable to accept the miracles of the Lord for ourselves because of a doubting heart. In Matthew we find Jesus getting into a boat to leave for "a deserted place by Himself" (14:13). He had just received word that John the Baptist had been beheaded and he was so moved by the news that he felt the need to be by himself to pray. Yet, when the multitudes heard that Jesus was leaving, "they followed Him on foot from the cities" (same verse).
Thousands of people came from all directions in all types of physical condition. The infirm were carried on stretchers or wheeled toward him in homemade carts. Blind men and women were led through the crowd, and the lame hobbled forward on makeshift canes and crutches. They all had one overriding objective: get near to Jesus and receive a healing touch!
And what was Christ's response to this incredible scene? "He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). And then, at the end of that marvelous day and after performing all those miracles of healing, Jesus decided to feed the huge crowd (see Matthew 14:16-21).
Later, on the boat sailing to Magdala, the disciples were tired from their long day and began to squabble because they had only one loaf of bread among them (see Mark 8:14). Imagine! Peter, James, John and the others were worried about bread when they had just come from the greatest bread-feeding in history! Jesus was incredulous and reproved them, "How is it that you do not understand?" (8:21).
This message is for all who are on the brink of exhaustion, overwhelmed by your present situation. You have been a faithful servant, feeding others, confident that God can do the impossible for his people but you harbor lingering doubts about his willingness to intervene in your own struggle.
The Holy Spirit is calling you to remember the compassion of Jesus, remember the abundance of the loaves and fishes, and know that he is not willing that even one of you will faint.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the compassion of Jesus
- The context of Jesus' miracles
- The significance of Jesus' response
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II
- The multitude's desperate need
- Jesus' compassion in action
- Healing and feeding the crowd
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III
- The disciples' misunderstanding
- Lessons from the boat
- The importance of faith in personal struggles
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IV
- The call to remember Jesus' compassion
- The abundance of God's provision
- Encouragement for the weary
Key Quotes
“He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” — David Wilkerson
“How is it that you do not understand?” — David Wilkerson
“The Holy Spirit is calling you to remember the compassion of Jesus.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on past experiences of God's provision to strengthen your faith.
- Reach out to others who may be struggling and share the compassion of Jesus.
- Pray for clarity and assurance in your personal challenges, trusting in God's goodness.