Lord’s Day, Vol. 7 No. 34

Appropriating the Fullness of Christ

34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; 36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. Matthew 14:34-36 (KJV)

When the truth that Jesus is the only living and true God was evident in the hearts of the people, they sought Jesus’ help and were completely healed. The word “knowledge” (v35) means “to know fully, as an inceptive verb, to come to know, to gain or receive full knowledge of, become fully acquainted with”. Are you fully acquainted with the truth that in Jesus Christ is fullness of comfort and help?

As Paul would say to the Colossians, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3)

Let us meditate on a few thoughts given in this account of our Lord’s ministry.

 

(1) The men of that place had knowledge of Him (v35a)

Where is the land of Gennesaret? Gennesaret is a small plain located on the west side of the Sea of Galilee.

How did the people in Gennesaret have “knowledge” of Him? In Luke 5:1 is recorded for us this:

Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret.

 Jesus taught the people the word of God, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Verse 36 tells us that the people “besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.”

This knowledge is fact-based. It is truly evident. The people had an experiential knowledge of God through the miracles of Christ. He answers prayer. He is able to help us. In Him is true wisdom that can help straightened up our lives and we are able to find a solid foundation to build our lives. We read of this account of Jesus’ ability to help us. Does it not cause us to be thankful that we know Him and have experienced His fullness in our lives?

But if we have not experienced His fullness in our lives, if we have not experienced His power and glory, it is time for us to earnestly call upon Him and study God’s Word to know Him.

He reveals Himself to us through His Word. Our Bible is a historical book. All the facts on history and geography are absolutely true. It is on this basis we have faith. That same God that made the sick perfectly whole is the Jesus that we must be connected with.

The knowledge of Jesus comes with the study of His Word. How are you growing in His Word? Do you have a systematic study plan for yourself? We have a course on “How to study the Bible?” If you are in need of help to study the Bible. Do not hesitate to come forward, we will try to help you.

(2) These men became His ambassadors (v35b)

– they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased…

These are those who have experienced His fullness in their lives. They became His ambassadors for peace. As Apostle Paul would say in Ephesians 6:19-20 “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassadorin bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

The Apostle Paul while in prison witnessed to the Imperial guards in Caesar’s household, not a few came to the faith, lighting the fire of the gospel light right at the heart of the Roman Empire. These men brought others in need to our Lord and not one was not helped. For if we would come to Jesus, certainly we will experience His fullness!

It is a great honour to serve our Lord by bringing a stricken soul to Him. These men were fired up with the Truth.

 

(3) And besought Him (v36a)

– And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment…

“Touching the hem of His garment” means to come in contact with Him. To come to His presence!

Jesus says “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

This life is filled full with sorrow, trouble, miseries and suffering. In Jesus Christ is true healing.

Only Jesus, Always Jesus

My heart will praise

My song I’ll raise

Saved and healed me

Sanctified me

Glorious Lord, soon coming King!

This is the description of the great faith of the people in our Lord’s ability to help them. Do we recommend Jesus to others with such great faith? These men did bring those who were sad and desponding, whose burdens were oppressing. These had faith to believe, they besought Him with such great humbleness of heart as to just touch the hem of His garment.

 

(4) God’s Glory Fully Manifested (v36b)

– And as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

This is the efficacy of Christ in helping the weak. The power of God’s Word to comfort and heal the soul has to be experienced. Again and again, we experience that He never fails. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Our upcoming Gospel Rally on 15 September is an excellent time to invite someone to know Jesus. May we be an ambassador of peace for the Lord. Amen.

 

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee