Meet the Healer/Teacher!

For Friday, January 6, 2023:

Matthew 4:24 NLT: “News about Jesus spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.”

2,000 years ago, people were interested in religion and philosophy. They didn’t have all the answers yet, but the topic held their curiosity. They were searching for the best answers about sin and repentance, heaven and hell and life after this life. If the crops were in the ground and the sheep were resting for the afternoon, people would head for the town square to hear orators build a case for their beliefs. (Sidebar: Sadly, I don’t find people nearly as interested in these topics nowadays.)

I don’t believe healing was Jesus’ main purpose, but it did get people’s attention. If someone was blind but now they can see, that automatically wins the debate. If someone had been lame from birth but now could walk, everyone wanted to meet the healer. All those who were healed and all those who brought them also heard the teacher: “Repent and return to the Lord, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Many did just that, followed Jesus wherever he went and became his disciples!

The healing continues nowadays. I know several people healed from a cancer death-sentence through prayer and faith. I know hundreds who have put away alcohol and drugs and had their lives restored. God still cares for us and Jesus is still working, and we have hope!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship