All around us we see folks getting ready for Christmas. What is unfortunate is that Christ is not the central figure at all. The spirit of "X-mas" is certainly all around us. Even believers will have to work hard to keep Christ in Christmas! But, today I do not want to speak about the absence of Christ, I want to talk about the presence of Christ.
Wherever Jesus was things changed. Blind eyes were opened, the deaf could hear, the lame could walk, and the dead were restored to life. Nothing ever stayed the same around Jesus. That is true today. The presence of Jesus is what will make the difference in your life, your family, your home, or your work. In this 14th chapter of Matthew we find some amazing things about the presence of Jesus.
I. The Presence of Jesus Brings Uneasiness to the Wicked Crowd. v1-12
A. Herod thought that John the Baptist had risen from the dead.
1. He had put John in prison and wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of what the people would do.
2. He opened his prideful mouth once too often and wound up having John the Baptist beheaded.
3. He had a guilty conscience about what he had done.
4. The presence of Jesus caused him to be uneasy and to worry.
B. The presence of Jesus still causes the wicked to become uneasy.
1. Want to quiet a group of folks telling dirty jokes at work?
2. Talk about Jesus.
3. Ex. of woman at Bachman's who apologized for how she was talking in front of me.
4. People who try to hide their habits...from the presence of Jesus.
C. This uneasiness is conviction of sin
II. The Presence of Jesus Will Draw People. v13-14
A. We can draw a crowd many ways.
1. Through entertainment.
2. Through programs.
3. Through sensationalism.
4. The best way is through Jesus.
B. The people came out of the cities to find Jesus.
1. They came to Him as people in need.
2. They found compassion and healing.
3. Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." cf Jn. 12:32
C. We need to lift up Jesus before this lost and dying world.
1. The presence of Jesus needs to be lifted up in the lives of His people.
2. When Christians magnify the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives, others will take notice and will be drawn unto Him.
3. The greatest need we have is for the presence and power of Jesus Christ to be in our lives.
III. The Presence of Jesus Will Bring About Miraculous Events. v15-21
A. The account of the feeding of the multitude.
1. The disciples saw only the impossibilities.
2. They were ready to send them away.
3. Jesus said there was no need to send them away.
4. Verse 21 tells us that 5000 men plus a multitude of women and children ate until they were filled!
B. The point is this:
1. In the presence of Jesus every need is satisfied. cf. Ps. 107:9
2. Those who were sick were healed.
3. All of them were filled to satisfaction with that which Jesus blessed and multiplied.
4. Do you have a need today? Jesus is the answer!
IV. The Presence of Jesus:
A. Brings assurance. v22-30
B. Brings safety. v31-32 6.
C. Demands worship. v33
D. Causes us to be concerned about others. v34-36
Do you know the presence of Jesus in your life? Have you been born again? If not, I invite you to come this morning and let us show you from God's Word how you can know for sure that you are saved and on your way to heaven.
Christians, do others see Jesus in us? We are to be the light of the world...reflecting the light of Jesus in this sin-darkened world around us. Are you hiding your light or letting it shine? Come today whatever your need and find the answer in the presence of Jesus Christ.