November 23, 2021: SOAP #4373:  Matthew 14-16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

OBSERVATION: This passage (verses 29-39), speaks to me much about Jesus and finances. 
1.  Jesus did not take this gathering as an opportunity to take an offering, even though He had provided a good meal. 
2.  Jesus was more interested in giving something to them than in getting something from them. 
3.  Jesus was more interested in the well-being of the multitude than in the finances of His ministry. 
4.  Jesus was more interested in what they already had in hand (7 loaves and a few little fish) rather than what they needed (enough to feed 4,000 men plus women and children). 
5.  Jesus started with what they already had in hand. 
6.  Their lack was useful in bringing much glory to God!

APPLICATION:  Jesus spoke a lot about money, but he never made an issue of people sending Him money. He never made people feel guilty about giving to motivate them to give more, so that He could do more. He taught about giving, not for His benefit, but for their benefit. Jesus was doing the will of His Heavenly Father; His Father provided the necessary resources. If I am doing the Father’s will, He will provide my resources too!  … and He does!

PRAYER:  Lord, you use finances to build my faith.  May my use of finances demonstrate my trust in you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!