Matthew 8:14 – 34 and Mark 4 – 5

As we have read about Jesus these last 15 days, we have so many times seen where he was “moved with compassion” or “overcome with compassion.” I don’t think it was ever God’s intention for mankind to suffer from illness of any kind, but as a result of sin, we now suffer from all kinds of diseases and illnesses. Have you ever thought about how people’s lives are affected by health issues, both physical and mental? The stress and uncertainty, the financial costs, and the sorrow of seeing a loved one suffer and, perhaps, die is impossible to measure.

However, Jesus looks at people who suffer from sickness with compassion. He healed people everywhere he went. Look at the leper in today’s reading. Leprosy wasn’t just a disease. Lepers were required to shout ‘Unclean’ when they walked through the streets. They were outcasts because leprosy was contagious.

This reminds me of a song – as so many things do – Then Jesus Came (Music by Homer Rodeheaver and Words by Oswald J. Smith):

VERSE 1:
One sat alone beside the highway begging
His eyes were blind the light he could not see.
He clutched his rags, and shivered in the shadows.
Then Jesus came and bade His darkness flee.
VERSE 2:
Unclean, Unclean the leper cried in torment,
The deaf, the dumb in helplessness stood near;
The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim
Then Jesus came and cast out every fear.

CHORUS:
When Jesus comes the tempter’s power is broken.
When Jesus comes the tears are washed away.
He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.
VERSE 3:
And so today we find the Savior able
We can not conquer passion, lust, or sin.
Our broken hearts have left us sad and lonely,
But Jesus comes to dwell Himself within.
CHORUS:
When Jesus comes the tempters power is broken.
When Jesus comes the tears are washed away.
He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.
CHORUS:
When Jesus comes the tempters power is broken.
When Jesus comes the tears are washed away.
He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.

We should also remember that according to Isaiah 53:4 – “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”

Based on this verse, it cost Jesus whenever he healed anyone because “he was whipped so we could be healed.” Wow! Our Lord really loves us, not only enough to die for us, but also enough to be whipped so we can be healed.

Tomorrow, we’ll read Matthew 9 – 10.

Until next time…