THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY EVER OFFERED TO MORTAL MEN WAS OFFERED IN NAZARETH, & THEY MISSED IT!

1. We tremble at the consequences of the people of Gadarenes ordering Jesus out of their land
2. As Jesus offered a ministry of healing, forgiveness, raising the dead,- and forgiving Sins!
3. Yet in city after city He was refused; the leaders became angry at Him; the people rejected Him. He saw them as sheep without a shepherd, and souls to be harvested!

I.- JESUS IN HIS OWN COUNTRY   Matt 13:54a

Jesus had left Nazareth- and had been Baptized by John the Baptist - went through His temptations

A.- JESUS HAD ONCE BEFORE BEEN CAST OUT OF NAZARETH BECAUSE OF HIS TEACHING MINISTRY - Luke 4:16-

1. On his return in Power (Luke 4:14) He ministered throughout the area of Galilee -NW of sea
2. After many miracles, He returned to His Home Luke 4:16, but when He taught, they exploded!
3. When He left Nazareth- Luke 4:31,32- He ministered in Capernaum and the smaller cities -

B.- HIS MINISTRY AROUND GALILEE WAS A RICH ONE, WITH A HARVEST OF MIRACLES AND SOULS

1. The events were not done in a corner- healings, raising the dead, forgiving sins, -thrilling
2. But in many areas where He did the most- there arose a strange unbelief- Matt 11:23- greed?
3. In Capernaum He was said to have a devil- in the area of the Gadarenes- He was ordered out.

C.- NOW HE RETURNED AGAIN TO HIS HOME CITY, NAZARETH- THIS WOULD BE THEIR LAST CHANCE -Matt 13:53

1. They had heard of His fame, and were no doubt glad for His return- not knowing their fate
2. He taught them in such a way they were astonished -v. 54, He taught with Authority- word of God
3. They had to recognize the mighty works and words of wisdom- v.55, IF THEY COULD BUT LISTEN!

But because of their prejudices and preconceived notions- they rejected the God of Glory

II. THEY WERE OFFENDED IN HIM v.57

They were offered a feast for their souls, but they fell to arguing over the silverware & starved

A.- THEIR HEARTS WERE MAGNETIZED AGAINST THE LORD, AND THEY WERE OFFENDED IN HIM!

1. They reasoned from His humanity v.55 - So often when God says Look at Him- we see ourselves!
2. Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?- Obviously the people in Nazareth where he was raised knew
3. He was known as a carpenter's son- Nothing negative given,- but they reasoned human reason

B.- THEY ASKED "FROM WHENCE HATH THIS MAN THIS WISDOM, AND THESE MIGHTY WORKS?" 54c -WRONG QUESTION

1. They missed the truth of the Incarnation! - They looked at things- not at heart - God in flesh
2. He had not been born here-& they knew nothing about Bethlehem's strange night-; came from Egypt
3. When Jesus suggested His importance -greater than Elijah- they were angered - rejected Him

C.- WAS IT THE PROPHET OF GOD, OR THE PEOPLE OF NAZARETH WHO FAILED, & NOT MANY MIGHT MIRACLES!

1. Jesus gave a quote v.57b as an explanation!- This has bothered me often- Hard but rewarding!
2. It was their preconceived problems, and refusal to honor Jesus that kept back harvest of joy
3. It is recorded- that he did "not many mighty works there-" -He did some for some believed!

Those who were willing to look with eye of faith saw the mighty work yet done! - Have you?

III.- JESUS WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION   Matt 9:35-8

The Gospel of Matthew is not Chronological- see any good harmony & get things in order!-

A.- WHEN JESUS SAW THE MULTITUDES WITHOUT A SHEPHERD, HE WAS MOVED BECAUSE THEY FAINTED, SCATTERED

1. The common people heard Him gladly - He did many miracles, teaching, preaching, & souls saved
2. But the Elite, Pharisees, civic leaders, & also many poor people- expected too much- rejected Him
3. The leaders rejected the Lord, could not lead to the quiet pastures- & people scattered -

B.- JESUS SAID "THE HARVEST IS TRULY PLENTEOUS, BUT THE LABORERS ARE FEW." THIS IS TRUE TODAY

1. It was not physical food- but Souls! We are concerned about cost of food- Hah.  What of souls?
2. Those who were supposed to harvest souls- were busy arguing on minor things,- missing call
3. The real laborers in any field are few & only few people in church catch joy of soulwinning

C.- JESUS SAID "PRAY YE THEREFURE THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO SEND FORTH LABORERS" AND THEY DID

1. He told his disciples to pray- dangerous practice!- for He called them- & sent them out!
2. They went instead of Jesus- maybe to keep prejudice against Him down; but multiplied His work
3. We have a chance in Phoenix- Harvest - or soon Famine!- (Will be with food & souls)

We need to pray the Lord of the Harvest- but YOU might be the laborer He thrusts forth!

IN OUR OWN CHURCH, AND IN OUR OWN FAMILIES, WE WILL HAVE A HARVEST, OR A FAMINE! OF SPIRITUAL FOOD

1. Have you received Christ-? He will work some miracles today if you will let Him -- believe!
2. If you don't want a famine- then get into His Word- obey it -- Baptism, Membership!
3. But we need soulwinners!- Make contacts,- find people who want to be saved,- & bring them to Jesus!-

Will you be one of the Soulwinners?