[Scripture Reading: Matthew 8:28-34]

Introduction

A. When Jesus came into the country of Gadara, He received varying receptions from the people who met Him (Matthew 8:28-34).

B. One thing is certain: when someone meets Jesus, his life is changed forever in some way or another.

I. Many lives were changed on the first meeting with Jesus.

A. Meeting Jesus certainly changed the lives of the disciples (John 1:36-49).

B. Meeting Jesus changed the lives of those He healed (Matthew 8:1-4; 9:18-25; Luke 7:11-15; 13:11-12; John 9:1-7; 11:38-44).

C. Paul would never forget the day he met the risen Lord, and he spoke of it often (Acts 22; 26; 1 Corinthians 15:8).

D. Even authorities like Pilate, Herod, and Nicodemus would remember the day they met Jesus (Luke 23:12; John 3:1ff).

E. The Samaritans also remembered the day (John 4; Acts 8:12).

II. When you meet Jesus, your life will never be the same.

A. He will give you a new outlook (2 Corinthians 5:16-17).

B. He will give you a new mindset (Philippians 2:3-8).

C. He will give you a new goal (Philippians 3:4-14).

D. He will give you a new standard (1 Peter 1:23; Matthew 24:35).

III. How does one come to meet Jesus?

A. We cannot meet Him in the flesh (1 Corinthians 15:8).

B. We meet Jesus through obedience (John 14:4-6,15).

Conclusion

A. Someday the faithful will meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

B. All will meet Him at the Judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12).

C. The day you meet Jesus is a day you will never forget.