SHARING BREAD
34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.
35 And
when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the
surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36 and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of
his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
Matt
14:34-36 (NIV)
Wherever Christ went, healing was always present –
spiritually, physically and emotionally.
Jesus heals wholly either in the now or in the blessed future. He was ever about doing good works, saying
good Words. The psalmist tells us God
sent forth His Word and healed – rescuing from death – that is exactly what He
did in Christ Jesus:
20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued
them from the grave. Psalms 107:20
(NIV)
Certainly, that was the Messiah’s job descriptions
prophesized by Isaiah – Jesus was the Word made flesh sent forth to heal and
make whole:
1 The
Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to
preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the
prisoners, 2 to
proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to
comfort all who mourn, 3 and
provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of
praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of
righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
Further, it honors Christ when we
show our need for Him. And who isn’t in
need of the healing touch from the Master?
The miracle of walking on water had just recently occurred – perhaps the
news of this may have ushered in the way for Him to have been more welcomed,
more sought after. There is always
purpose in all that Jesus does. Those
who realize Who Christ is will turn to Him – if Jesus were better known, He certainly
would not be neglected as He is – for He is trusted as much as He is known.
“You cannot be
your own Saviour, either in whole or in part.” Hudson Taylor
“You cannot imagine how great is people’s foolishness…..by hoping
in themselves and putting trust in their own knowledge.” St. Catherine
The actions taken by the men of Gennesaret are not too
dissimilar to the actions of the Samaritan woman at the well who went back into
her town to tell others about the Savior.
When people have good news they want to share it. Those who know Christ should do all they can
to bring others to come to know Him as well.
John records the incident:
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to
the town and said to the people, 29 “Come,
see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward
him. John 4:28-30 (NIV)
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him
because of the woman's testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to
stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became
believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just
because of what you said; now
we have heard for ourselves, and we know
that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John
4:39-42 (NIV)
“And
we do well to remember that this gracious God, who has condescended to place
His almighty power at the command of believing prayer looks not lightly on the
blood guiltiness of those who neglect to avail themselves of it for the benefit
of the perishing….” Hudson Taylor
Lastly, we see people bringing their infirmed to the Healer humbly
begging Him to let their sick but touch His hem for healing. This suggests they thought themselves
unworthy that He should even be bothered with their cases as well as showing
they had an awareness of an overflowing fullness of His healing power that they
would receive if they but touch His clothing – similar to the woman with the
issue of blood. The greatest favors and blessings are obtained by those who
seek and petition. Jesus tells us
earlier in Matthew:
7 “Ask and it will be given to
you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks
finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matt 7:7-8 (NIV)
The fruit of seeking Christ is never found wanting. One never seeks Him in vain. Those He heals, He heals wholly and perfectly
– presently or eternally. Yet He always
fills and satisfies in the here and now if we will allow Him. He gives us grace sufficient to meet every
need. Remember, child of the King, earth
is not your home – heaven is. For all
who turn to Him in a true and living faith, there is an abundance of healing
power available – spiritually, physically and emotionally - an overflowing
fullness of His comfort, mercy and grace.
“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” John
Stott
3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the
grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, save
me!” 5 The
LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was
in great need, he saved me. 7 Be
at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalms 116:3-7 (NIV)
What I glean from this:
· Jesus saves. He is all powerful.
· I honor
Christ when I show my need for Him.
· Jesus overflows
with compassion, kindness, mercy and grace.
