Message Notes

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 28 MARCH 2021

Text: Matthew 9:35-38

Subject: Evangelism

Sub-Topic: Compassion for the Lost

INTRODUCTION

1. Evangelism is not an easy task to attempt and to fulfil

a) Knowledge of God is needed

i) Of the nature of sin

ii) Of the need for repentance

iii) Of the Kingdom of God

b) Knowledge of Salvation is needed too

i) Faith in God

ii) Justification

iii) Forgiveness of sin

c) Knowledge and relationship with a friend/family member

i) Understanding

ii) Sensitivity

iii) Kindness

iv) Respect

v) Graciousness

d) Skill is also needed

i) Presentation of the Gospel

ii) Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading

iii) Grace and power from God

iv) Honing of skill to present the Gospel effectively

A VISION OF THE LORD JESUS SHARED

1. Great multitudes followed the Lord (Matthew 8:1)

2. All the cities and villages (Matthew 9:35)

a) Many reached

b) Many more unreached

HEART OF THE LORD JESUS 

1. Multitudes

He saw the multitudes (Matthew 9:36)

a) There are huge multitudes

b) But few “see” them

2. Compassion

“He was moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36)

a) The heart 

b) The inner being

c) Deep stirring

3. What the Lord Jesus saw

a) People/Sheep

i) They were not mere numbers

ii) They were people to be cared for

b) Weary

i) Tired

ii) Worn out

c) Scattered

i) Fearful

ii) Burdened

d) No shepherd (Matthew 9:36)

i) To guard

ii) To guide

iii) To relate

e) The obvious failure:

i) Priests/ chief priests

ii) Pharisees

iii) Scribes

iv) Sadducees

v) Herodians

vi) Zealots

A WORD TO THE DISCIPLES

1. Harvest

a) Imagery change to be noted: “Harvest”

b) Sheep to harvest field

c) Both valid

2. Harvest is plentiful (Matthew 9:37a)

a) Much work to be done

b) Harvesting is hard work

c) Time is of the essence

d) A short time to do vital work

e) Urgency must be felt

3. Labourers

a) The labourers are few (Matthew 9:37b)

b) “Labourers” defined

i) Hard working

ii) Responsible

iii) Dedicated

4. Prayer enjoined

a) Praying to God

“The Lord of the harvest” (Matthew 9:38a)

b) Sending labourers

“to send out labourers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38b)

RESPONSE OF THE LORD JESUS

1. Calling

“When He had called His twelve Disciples to Him” (Matthew 10:1a)

2. Empowering (Special ministry)

“He gave them power”

a) Over unclean spirits, to cast them out

b) To heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease (Matthew 10:1b)

FEELING COMPASSION

1. Compassion for the widow of Nain (Luke 7:13)

2. Compassion for the hungry 5000 (Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34)

3. Compassion for the hungry 4000 (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2)

4. Compassion for 2 blind men (Matthew 20:34)

OUR CHALLENGE

1. Finding Compassion

2. Feeling Compassion

3. Following the Lord Jesus to find and be filled with compassion