Introduction
For the past several weeks, various speakers had preached on
the Book of Ecclesiastes exploring the meaning of life. If we do not have God, life is meaningless,
according to Solomon, “chasing after the wind”.
This sermon is based on Matthew Chapter 14.
1.
The Execution of John the Baptist (14:1-12)
John the Baptist was in prison. Prior to that Herod had been
listening to him because he preached the truth. Herod dare not do anything to
him because he was afraid of the crowds.
If you ask people who is Jesus? People may answer, he is a
great teacher like any one of other faiths.
But no, He is the Son of God. Do
not be deceived. It is a life long
journey to know Him. John the Baptist
feared God, but Herod feared only man.
John the Baptist clearly prepared the way for Jesus, The Messiah.
Why Jesus did not save John? Why did he died young? But these are God’s purposed not ours. John fulfilled the purposes designed by God
for preparing for the coming of Jesus.
2.
Jesus withdrew to a deserted place ( 14:13-36)
a)
Jesus fed the 5000 ( 4:13-21) – this was
recorded in the four Gospels.
Jesus had compassion for the crowd. He also felt for John in a human way.
Jesus is the one who provide all our needs – He has no
needs.
Jesus prayed alone V.23 – Jesus prayed even though He has no
need, therefore we must pray even more.
God instructed us to pray unceasingly.
Jesus walked on the water and Peter asked to join Him. Jesus
called him to come to Him. But when he saw the winds, he was afraid and
sank. Peter was not fully settled/rested
on the Lord. The storm did not cease, Jesus was holding on to Peter.
It is for us to pursue passionately who truly is Jesus. We must keep coming to Jesus
and touch Him!
Application
Be passionate to know intimately who truly is Jesus. It is not enough to know about Him, but to
know Him intimately. This is what we are
supposed to do.
