We naturally gravitate toward those who provide us with what we need. By that I do not necessarily mean material goods. However, we each have other needs that must be filled from some source; needs like encouragement, support, camaraderie, renewal, etc. Those who we believe meet those needs become friends and close companions. But there are always those people who make it their duty to make everyone else as miserable as they are. We stay away from these people because they do not encourage success in our lives. This is why after 2,000 years Jesus is still the one figure to whom people most flock in order to achieve what they truly want out of life – total fulfillment. And that is exactly what is available “In the Master’s Presence.”
Title: In the Master’s Presence
Text: Matthew 14:13-21
Main Point: When Jesus came to earth and put on flesh He made a noticeable difference in the lives of all those with whom He came in contact. Isaiah had spoken of the time when “the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing” (Isaiah 35:5-6). Lives changed by being in the Master’s presence – a prime example of which is found in our text. This account is typically mentioned as nothing more than a passing illustration of a greater point, but the point is itself in the account – blessings were found in the Master’s presence.
§ There is Provision in the Master’s Presence – We all have needs, key of which is a dependence on God’s spiritual provisions. Twice in the text Jesus provides for those in His presence – healing and food. However, notice how quickly the apostles try to usher the multitude away (vs. 15). While Jesus is providing for these people physically it illustrates the greater point that Jesus can provide for every need that we have. Man needs to worship and God is the object of that worship (John 4:23-24). Man needs connection to God and Jesus serves as our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Man needs knowledge and God has given us the Bible (Acts 20:32). Man needs redemption and Jesus purchased it on the cross (Acts 20:28). Every need that we have will be provided as long as we are in the Master’s presence.
§ There is Plenty in the Master’s Presence – A common problem with man is that we try to give just enough to get by. But Jesus provided enough food for those present with 12 large baskets of leftovers to spare – He gave in excess. God has always given in abundance (Luke 6:38). Job, because of his faith and patience, received twofold of all that he lost (Job 42:12-13). Solomon asked for wisdom but received much more (1 Kings 3:11-14). Zacchaeus wanted nothing more than to see the Lord but he received the chance to entertain Him in his home as well (Luke 19:3-5). The prodigal wanted nothing more than to be restored to service in his father’s house but he was welcome back as a son (Luke 15:21-24). All of these illustrate the measure of plenty with which God blesses us – He always gives us more than we expect or deserve.
§ There is Profit in the Master’s Presence – At the end of the day in Matthew 14, would that multitude have said it was a profit or a peril to have been in the presence of Jesus? There is great gain to be had by ensuring our presence with the Master (Romans 8:31). The greatest profits, though, are not monetary but eternal (Romans 6:23). We can have a new life (Romans 6:1-4) and victory over the grave eternally (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). However, it must be emphasized that profit is only available in the presence of the Master – outside of that presence there is no hope!
Just as there was great blessing by remaining in the Master’s presence in Matthew 14 there is even greater blessing today. We must not given in to the temptation to seek the “greener pastures” elsewhere, but trust in God to bless us in an abundant manner.