Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!"
"Jesus is so much more interested in the eternity of those he encountered, but he healed their “right now” first. He understood that healing their “right now” would open the door to healing their eternity. "
4 comments:
I don't know that he healed their right now first as a rule, though. (Just pointing out.) I know he sometimes did (blind man in John 8) but not always. In this passage it lists preaching the good news first.
AMEN!
Brynn says your profile picture is awkward and you should change it.
I agree Philip, he does start with the gospel...but I have been thinking about Jesus and I am having a hard time thinking of a time that he says "no" to meeting the needs of someone. Right now, all I can think of it the "rich young ruler." But really, that guy was not getting the answer he wanted, so he left....he even healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman when it first didn't seem he would.
I do not want to communicate that Jesus is a genie and all you have to do is make a wish...but it seems that he meets the needs of those he comes in contact with while telling them about the coming Kingdom of God!
I think it's a very good example of how Jesus' way is not the same as the worlds. The world would see salvation as a check-the-block and either sign your name or move to the back of the line. Jesus is seeking to connect in a relationship with you, and eliminate the separation between you and God. His heart breaks for you because He loves you, and that's what it's all about. He wants you to get to know Him, and you are being healed from that moment on. His love is unconditional, and He loves even those who reject him. He didn't come to recruit, but to heal and restore our relationship with God.
Now, that sounds very cuddly compared to the book I'm getting ready to read called "Jesus Mean and Wild," but I'm influenced by the book I'm currently reading, "Captivating." I can see the side of Jesus who walked outside and saw a bunch of lost, injured kids. He'd heal all of them...gave His life to do so. There is the other side that whooped up on those who were injuring the children. Another story, though
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