Beloved, I am pleased to share with you today on the healing ministry that the Lord Jesus Christ established after the sermon on the mountain. He had just healed as we saw earlier : a leper, the servant of the centurion and the stepmother of his disciple Peter. Meaning that he has the power to heal with a word; and the sufferings of demoniacs are attributed to spirits that the Lord Jesus drives out and throws out of the sick.
It should be said that the different parts of his armor represent the various manifestations of his holiness. Because his mighty arm is enough for him to triumph. But his jealousy is his zeal for his people of redeemed. And the Christian fights with the power of the word to stand firm, as we read in Ephesians 6.14-17, and clothed in the breastplate of faith and charity(1 Thessalonians 5.8).
That is why many demons were brought before the Lord Jesus, whose words he drove out the spirits, and he healed all those who were in bad health. He thus accomplished what the Prophet Isaiah had said: “It was our sufferings that he bore, it was with our pains that he took charge (Isa. 53: 4). These words make us understand how the Lord used his power: he never delivered anyone to whom his heart and his feelings, as perfectly human as divine, would have remained strangers. For he delivered no one from the consequences of sin, without having felt in sympathy all the pain felt by those whom he relieved. For this it is said that he carried our diseases, which is different from having carried our sins on the cross, to receive the punishment. Indeed, He bore our sins only on the cross, while, during the whole course of his ministry, his heart felt the full weight of the consequences of sin under which groaned those whom he set free. This is why we see this precious Savior crying at the tomb of Lazarus, instead of going directly to call him out of the tomb, which he did after showing sympathy to those who mourned their brother; at the same time he deeply felt the power of death which weighed on man as a result of his disobedience.
It is therefore important to know that the Lord Jesus is always the same in favor of those who are afflicted in any way; that the glory where he is has not changed his heart, on the contrary, and that he can all the more sympathize with all those who are still there.
And as the crowds crowded around him, attracted by the miracles he worked, he wanted to escape their curiosity, as their admiration, since he had performed his service in their midst, and ordered to pass to the other shore. A scribe said to him, “Master, I will follow you wherever you go. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head “(Mat 8.18-20).
This scribe, the amazed crowds, and even the disciples, were happy and honored to have such a man in their midst, for the crowds said, “He has never seen anything like this in Israel.” Also, this scribe thought of the glory that there would be for him to follow a master like that. But if everyone had a home in this world, where grace had brought down the Son of man, he, who came from heaven, could not have one here on earth, because nothing on earth could offer rest to such a person. Man, everything being imbued with the consequences of sin and the power of the devil. Because he had not come to make man’s stay pleasant on earth, but to open a way for him out of the world and bringing him where the Lord is already himself, that is, – to say, outside of this first creation defiled and subjected to the devil, where God will rest in his love and where he will introduce all those who will have believed in his beloved Son and will have walked in the path which he has paved for them here -low. The Lord Jesus in his answer indicates to this scribe on what condition we can follow him. It is as if he said: “This is the material advantage that you will find by following me, because the path cannot be different for you and for me: you will not find a place to rest your head there.”
Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go and bury my father first. But Jesus said to him, Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead ”(Mat 8.21, 22). The Lord Jesus shows that to follow him, we must fully recognize his rights over our hearts. Because he left glory to come here to open the way to heaven for the lost man, so that to walk after him, you must abandon everything that characterizes a world foreign to the life of God. The Lord alone has absolute rights over his redeemed. You can go and bury your father, but not first, as the disciple said; for we must first follow Christ and obey him.
Let me ask you how many things you do first, before those that are pleasing to the Lord. Do you know that Christ alone has all rights over our hearts, if we are his? And if you do not walk after it, on the way to heaven, you know where you are; there are only two: the narrow path that leads to life, and the wide path that leads to perdition.
We have just seen what should characterize one who wants to follow the Lord Jesus. Indeed, in Mat 8: 23-27, we find what is encountered on this path: “He got into the boat, and his disciples followed him”. The disciples could think that by accompanying the Lord, they would be safe from all difficulties. It is not so; because difficulties abound on the contrary, because the devil knows how to cause the storm on the road of those who are no longer under his power; this is what the storm teaches us that surprises and frightens the disciples. “And behold, there was such a great storm over the sea that the boat was covered by the waves. And he was sleeping. ” Despite their horror and the apparent dangers of the journey, it should have been enough for the disciples that Jesus be with them. Did not the Lord say to the remnant of Israel that was going through the storm of persecution, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not look worriedly, for I am your God ”(Isaiah 41:10)? The Lord was sleeping, but he was with them.
The disciples lacked knowledge of the glory of his person; if they had known her, they would not have been afraid, knowing that they had with them the Creator of the world, who came in the form of a man to fulfill the eternal counsels of God; they would have understood that his life could not be in danger, that the waves could not engulf him, nor them either, since they were with him. This is why We often do not believe in the power and love of God unless we see them working in our favor; if not, the Lord seems to us, as to the disciples, indifferent to our circumstances. Now “the disciples who came near woke him up, saying, Lord, save us! we perish. And he said to them, Why are you afraid, people of little faith? So he got up, threatened the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. ” For the Lord tests faith, in order to strengthen it by showing its power and kindness in its time; so we always learn better who He is who wants to be with us always, so that we can say, like the psalmist: “When I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no harm; for you are with me: your staff and your staff reassure me ”(Psalm 23: 4).
The various passages below have been compiled to edify you on the theme of this day.
- ZEAL FOR THE MINISTRY
- General references of the zeal of Christ:
Isa 59.17 “ He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.”; Luke 2.49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”; John 2.17 “ His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”; John 4.34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”;
- Examples of healing by Christ who heals
Mat 4.23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”; Mat 8.3,16 “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”; Mat 9.35 “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”; Mat 12.13,22 “ Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.”; Mat 14.36 “ and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.”; Mat 15.30 “ Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them.”; Mat 17.18 “ Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.”; Mat 19.2 “ Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.”; Mat 21.14 “The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.”; Mark 1.31 “ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.”; Mark 10.52 “ “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”; Luke 7.21 “ At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.”; Luke 13.13 “ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.”; Luke 17.14 “ When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.”; John 4.50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”The man took Jesus at his word and departed.”; John 5.9 “ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,”; John 9.6 “ After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.”
- Attraction of Christ:
Mat 8.1 “When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him.”; Mark 5.6,21 “When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.”; Luke 9.37 “The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.”; John 12.32 “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
- Evil spirits chased from men:
Mat 8.32 “He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”; Mat 9.35 “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”; Mat 15.28 “Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.”
- Bringing Men to Jesus: Mar 9.32 “ But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”
-the sick: Mat 4.24 “ News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.”; Mat 8.16 “ When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”;
-the possessed: Mat 9.32 “ While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus.”;
-those that the Church cannot help; Mark 9.17-19 “ A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
-the distraught: Luke 5.18-19 “ Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.”
-the blind: Luke 18.40 “Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,”;
-those who seek: John 1.41,42 “ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).”
-those who doubt: John 1.45,46 “ Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.”
-the sinners: John 8.3 “ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group”;
-the afflicted: John 11.28 “After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”
- PROPHECIES ON CHRIST
- Isaiah, son of Amots, a great prophet:
Isa 1.1 “Prophecy of Isaiah, son of Amots, over Judah and Jerusalem, in the time of Ozias, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, kings of Judah.”; Matt 3.3 “ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”; Mat 4.14 “ to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:”
- The Savior carried the burdens of humanity:
Isa 53.4 “ Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”; Mat 8.17 “ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”; John 19.17 “Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).”;
- Some Messianic Prophecies Relating to Christ:
Gen 49.10 ” The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.”; Psa 132.11 “ The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne.”; Isa 55.4 “ See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples.”; Isa 62.11 “ The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’ ”; Ezekiel 17.22 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.”; Zec 13.7 “Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.”
- Fulfillment of prophecy by Christ:
Mat 1.22-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”; John 12.38 “ This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”; Acts 3.18 “But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.”
- The infirmities of the body: Mat 8.17 “This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”; Luke 5.15 “ Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.”
- THE POPULARITY OF CHRIST
The popularity of Christ in the first part of his ministry:
Multitudes follow him: Mat 4.25 “A large crowd followed him, from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.”; Mark 2.13 “Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them.”; 3.20 “Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.”
- The scribes taught the Law: Mark 12.38 “As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces,”; Luke 20.46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.”
- The Son of Man, his situation: Matt 8.20 “Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”; Mat 16.13 “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”; Luke 18.8 “ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?””; John 6.53 “Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”; Rev 1.13 “ and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.”;
- The humility of Christ: he was free from all pride:
-due to appearance: Isa 53.2 “ He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”;
-due to worldly success : Isa 53.3 “ He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
-due to reputation: Mat 2.23 “ and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.”;
-due to wealth: Mat 8.20 “Jesus answered him: The foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head. ”;
-due to social position: Mat 13. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?”;
– due to royalty: John 13.5 “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”;
- Christ humiliated: he endured humiliation:
Isa 53.9 “ He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.”; Mat 27.38 “ Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.”; Php 2.8 “He humbled himself, making himself obedient until death, even until the death of the cross.”
- Divine priority over all human possessions:
Deut 26.2 “ take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name. ”; Mat 6.33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”;
- Divine call to repentance and a just life:
Mat 22.3 “ He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.”; Rev 3.20 “ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”;
- dead in sin the sinner: Pro 21.16 “Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.”; Eph 2.1 “ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,”; Col 2.13 “ When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,”; Rev 3.1: “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
From the above, we note that the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated in all its splendor the mission entrusted to him by the Heavenly Father through the judicious use of the power that was given to him in heaven and on earth. His ability to be followed by large crowds which he healed all the sick of all kinds. He set up the healing ministry that continues today in the Church. For we were dead by our trespasses and he brought us back to life with him. And the Lord tests our faith, in order to strengthen it by showing its power and goodness in its time; so we always learn better who is He who wants to be always with us. Our prayers support you all in your efforts to preserve this salvation obtained by his blood.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite anyone who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me as follows :
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you and ask forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as my Lord and personal Savior. I acknowledge that you died on the cross of Calvary and that you rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me each day to eternal life you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal to me and strengthen my heart and my faith so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me in your divine family so that I too can contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
To you all adoration, power, and glory, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to respond to your questions and comments, before sharing with you next week on the theme Jesus dominates the storm.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you profusely.
David Feze, Servant of the Lord Almighty.