Sermons and Outlines

Matt. 9:36-38 A PASSION FOR SOULS

Intro: The Bible is a book filled with meaning and blessing. However, some passages are very disturbing. For instance, Psa. 142:4, where the Bible says, "no man cared for my soul." That passage has always bothered me. I believe there are literally billions in our world tonight about whom no man cares. It is safe to say that millions live in this world with no one to pray for them, tell them about Jesus or to live a Christian witness before them. Sadly, there are many Christians who are saved, hell proof, heaven bound, etc, who do not care about the souls of the lost. What a contrast with the Lord Jesus Christ! It was His passion for souls that brought Him from Heaven to earth, that motivated His every waking activity, Luke 19:10; Mark 10:45. It was this passion for souls that propelled Him to an old rugged cross where He gave His life to save the lost sinner, Rom. 5:8.

In this passage, Jesus looked upon the multitudes that had gathered around Him because of the miracles. As He looked at the helpless, hopeless, and hurting people, Jesus saw four elements that caused Him to be moved with compassion on these lost ones. These same four elements ought to cause us that claim the Name of Jesus to have the same heart for sinners that motivated our Savior! Let’s spend a few minutes tonight looking into this passage as we consider the thought, "A Passion For Souls."

I. v. 36 JESUS SAW THEIR DEPARTURE FROM GOD

(Ill. They were "scattered abroad")

A. Outside the fold. (No company or fellowship)

B. Away from the Shepherd (No guidance or protection)

C. Away from home (No comfort or rest)

D. Apart from where they ought to have been – (Ill. Eph. 2:12) (Ill. Sheep do no do well alone!)

E. Christians need to understand that this world is away from God! Not everyone is in a right relationship with Him. But, all need a witness! (Ill. The Good Shepherd seeks sheep like these – Luke 15:3-7)

II. v. 36 JESUS SAW THEIR DEPRAVITY IN SIN

A. Jesus wasn’t referring to physical fainting! He intended a deeper meaning!

B. He was moved with compassion because these people were lost under a burdensome load of sin – Eph. 2:1-3; Psa. 38:4!

C. Notice the sins of the world! We are surrounded by men and women who are capable of absolutely anything you can imagine! (Ill. David and Bathsheba. Ill. Simon Peter; Ill. Judas Iscariot; Ill. You!) (Ill. Some may say, "Not me!" Beware – 1 Cor. 10:12.

D. These depraved people need to be reached by a compassionate Christian soul winner!

III. JESUS SAW THEIR DESTINY IN HELL

A. Ill. He could see the end from the beginning. He knew that apart from Him, they would all be in Hell. (Ill. The Rich Man!) No wonder He was moved with compassion! Jesus doesn’t want anyone to go to Hell!

B. Christians need the same vision! If we really believe in Hell like we say we do, then why aren’t we telling more men about the Savior?

C. Even the people in Hell are concerned about the lost – Luke 16:27-

31.

D. Look around church! There are people all around you who will die and go to Hell. Will they go without your having told them? Eze. 33:8.

IV. JESUS SAW THEIR DESPAIR WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

A. Ill. They were without a shepherd!

B. Ill. The blessings of the church and of the saved. (Prayer, companionship, peace, joy, rest, satisfaction, etc.)These are things the lost world knows nothing about.

C. Our duty as believers is to tell them about Jesus! Our hearts ought to be broken because the world doesn’t know our Savior! (Ill. There’s plenty to go around!)

V. v.37-38 JESUS SENT HIS DISCIPLES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

(Ill. Jesus places three responsibilities on the shoulders of his people.)

A. Visualize – See the harvest! Recognize that not everyone is saved and millions are poised on the edge of everlasting damnation! We also need to see that the harvest is just waiting to be gleaned! We will never reap until we first enter the field! (Mark 16:15)

B. Agonize – "Pray ye therefore." This is a call to be broken and burdened over the plight of the lost. Ill. There are few broken hearts over the lost in our day! We need to attack Hell on their behalf, constantly praying for them and seeking the Lord for the souls of sinners.

C. Evangelize – It isn’t enough to see the need, nor is it enough to pray for the lost and be concerned for their souls. Jesus desires that each of us do the work of an evangelist, Acts 1:8. (Ill. Andrew – A portrait of the burdened Christian – John 1:40-42; John 6:8-9; John 12:20-22! He fulfilled the call to be a fisher of men – Matt. 4:18-19.)

Conc: What are you doing to keep men out of Hell? Are you having any success? Ill. Pro. 11:30. God’s plan is that His people bear the good news to a dying planet. Our job is the greatest the world has ever known. If we can reach but one for God, then we have altered eternity for someone and gained the smile of God for ourselves. Ill. Psa. 126:5-6. Perhaps you need to come before the Lord and confess to him that you haven’t witnessed as you should have. Perhaps there is a name on your heart that lays there like a lead weight, bring it to Him! Time is short, the laborers are few and the harvest is plentiful and ready. Are you doing your part?