March 4, 2016
Jesus traveled through all Galilee teaching in the Jewish synagogues, everywhere preaching the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. And He healed every sickness and disease. Matthew 4:23 (The Living Bible)
In the first two writings about Jesus Christ, we looked at the individual and His teachings. Besides His instruction, there were other actions which He displayed. Today’s devotional will focus on a couple of these.
Besides teaching, Jesus was known for His preaching and healing. We looked at one of His renowned lessons in the Beatitudes. In instructing us, He wanted to have us understand a vital part about life. Preaching illustrated His concern for a commitment from the people he surrounded Himself with. Healing showed how He desired to make us whole. In turn, there were miracles which “authenticated His teaching and preaching, proving He truly was from God.” Jesus preached in various locations from a wide open field (The Sermon on the Mount) to a synagogue (The Gospel). The Gospel that Jesus preached was and is better known as The Good News. As a matter of fact, one translation of the Bible’s New Testament is known as The Good News. I am familiar with it since I took a college class which the instructor used this text. One may wonder why this label was given to the Lord’s preaching. Basically, it provided us with hope, peace and eternal life which only God can provide.
In the ninth chapter of Matthew, Jesus was criticized for spending time with tax collectors and sinners. These people were looked down upon at this time but Jesus felt they needed to hear His Word more than others. His disciples felt He didn’t need to spend time with little children. In Mark’s Gospel, it is recorded Jesus “took the children into His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them.” Wouldn’t that have been a wonderful feeling to experience His care? We all need a loving touch and a look showing understanding.
Jesus was not only concerned with healing one’s physical condition but spiritual health as well. He desires for us to be well both on the outside and inside in making us an individual whose life has been changed.
Prayer: Lord, make us thankful for Your touch, whether by hand or word. Amen
Jeff Spang