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Luke 9:11b – [Jesus] welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. (NIV)
There are some days when I desperately need Jesus to walk beside me, to show me the kingdom of God, and to heal my hurts and disappointments, my anxieties and fears, as well as my sickness and sadness. In my heart, I know that only He can do that for me; only Jesus can bind up my wounds, release me from my stress, and restore me spiritually. Whenever I feel like this, I usually turn to the gospels to find a story or a situation that resonates with my present state. Recently, I happily came across Luke 9:10-17, and instantly embraced the whole passage.
The story is just typical of Jesus. He has had a busy morning debriefing the disciples about their winter ministry exploits in other villages. In order to help them to de-stress, He decides to take them on a quiet retreat to Bethsaida. But things don't go according to plan because the country folk hear of His location and end up coming in their thousands to listen to Him preach or to see a miracle.
No doubt the disciples were peeved, for they wanted some quality time with Jesus. Christ could also have refused to meet the expectations of the crowd because He had something more important to do. But this is Jesus, so typically, He gets among the people, speaking to them about the kingdom of God and healing those who needed healing.
In theological terms, it's called incarnational ministry. Jesus is in the midst of His people, preaching to them about God's ways, and showing those ways to be true by mercifully healing the sick. It's the image of the compassionate and gentle Shepherd that most of us see in our minds when we think about Him. It's also the way in which we hope that He will welcome us, talk to us, and heal us of all our sicknesses, whether they be physical or emotional, spiritual or cultural, personal or filial. Whenever I feel disappointed or go through some unexpected stress, I look to Jesus for those blessings. If you are presently experiencing something similar, may Christ come to bless you, too.
Questions for personal reflection: What is currently troubling me? Am I willing to let Jesus reach me and heal me?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Saviour of the world and the healer of broken souls. Welcome us into Your heart today and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and spirit. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.
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Thank you, John.
Very thoughtful John.
Thank you for the timely message.
Your devotionals are always so much appreciated.
Ahhh, John, I do relate to your writing and appreciate you. THANKS.
Thank you John, now if I can only put it into practice!
God bless.
John – Thanks for a healing and comforting word.
God bless you by meeting your needs today.
Hi John:
Your words were greatly needed today as I went through this experience yesterday and into the night. My only hope is Jesus. Thank you and God bless you.
What is a ‘felial’ sickness? Is it something like having compassion for another person to the point of suffering with them? I’m doing the prayers of the people today, and everything you have said here is what has been guiding my prayers. Praise The Lord for bringing His people together in such a way.
Thank you John for your continued concern and help offered for people far and wide, as well as those at home. You have been a very real blessing to me for many years now. God bless your day.
John Stuart, I never cease to learn through your devotionals. I especially appreciate your questions for reflection. God has graced you with a wonderful gift. I will keep you in my prayers that He will continue to uplift and uphold you through the trials you sometimes face in your ministry, as well as personally. May you be blessed with the joy and comfort of knowing that, through you, God brings joy and comfort to many, especially me.
(Ontario)
Good morning John:
Thank you for today’s devotional. It has touched my heart and brought on the tears that I’ve needed to cry. My beloved dog is undergoing treatment for cancer. I know that our Lord has bigger issues to deal with but this is very difficult for me. I am a cancer survivor and currently being treated for another cancer. I have dealt with my situation far better than this.
Thank you for your online devotionals.
Dear John Stuart,
Thank you for your teachings. I will share today’s message with a fellow parishioner whose teenaged, very troubled granddaughter has run away once again. Needless to say all in the girl’s family are distraught.
We prayed together following today’s service and we will continue to uphold the family in prayer. However I believe your message may bring her greater hope and peace of mind.
Thank you.
Blessings.
Thanks for the devotional today, John. In three different ways today Jesus has reminded me that rather than trying to carry my burdens, and those of my loved ones, and rather than trying to fix all that is wrong, I should be placing everything on Him. He can do something about my burdens and I can do nothing but rely on Him. Your devotional has been the third of those three reminders.
My burdens are heavy and I stumble and fall. But He said “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Thanks again for all you are doing for my family. I means so very much to us. God bless!
Dear Rod,
As always, a very inspiring devotion!
Dear John Stuart,
Thank you for a practical and heart-felt devotional.
Special thanks for your prayer.