9/15/25

Jesus was in a desolate place with thousands of people as he compassionately healed those who were hurting. His disciple noticed the crowd's need for food and wanted to help. Our text says, Matthew 14:16 NASB95 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”

The mistake they made is a mistake still made by many Christ followers today. We see their need, and with compassion, we send them to organizations outside the church.

God created the church to reach the world by fulfilling their greatest need. That need is eternal salvation through Jesus. Jesus often offered this salvation by first showing them he cared about their physical needs. We must do the same. The church must also be cautious to never separate the two.

It has been said that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

James 2:15-16 NASB95 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

Churches today tend to be good at doing a great job in fulfilling part of their task.

They are either evangelistic or they are disciplers, but they seldom do both.

Either they share the gospel or they do lots of compassion ministry, but they seldom do both.

I heard a man in a church once say to another man who needed a ride. " Call this government organization they will provide for you.

This is a welfare, socialist mindset.

People have bought into and because of it, people now turn to the Government for physical and emotional support instead of the church.

There they find help but seldom hear any mention of salvation in Jesus.

We must hear and follow the words of Jesus spoken to His followers. "They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”

We, as the church, must start meeting all the needs of the people. Be compassionate in their physical needs then share with them the offer of salvation to fulfill their greatest need.

Love Bro. Scott