The words "Physician, heal thyself" from Luke 4:23, may bring memories of our own illnesses or troubles. Reading or hearing the words of Scripture from the book of Luke can remind us of the deep love God has for His creations. Have you recalled times of healing in your life or the life of a family member, friend or stranger? Are there times you remember when the healing was not on this earth, but in Heaven? Perhaps prayers have been shared for people or animals, asking for healing.
Do we ask for the healing of mind, body, and soul? Have we looked at the ways we have been healed mentally, physically, and spiritually already? We have not been healed by our own actions. We have been healed by the power of God. Healing is through His power, not ours.
‘Physician, heal thyself’ is a powerful statement. There is more to those words than a passing thought.
In Luke 4, the Scripture shares about the temptation of Jesus. He was led by the Spirit into the desert, where Jesus stayed for 40 days. During that time, Jesus was tempted by the devil. At the end of those days, Jesus was hungry. As the devil tries to persuade Jesus to turn a stone into bread, Jesus states a fact (Luke 4:4). Jesus will not give in to temptation. He knows God will provide for His needs.
Jesus is then led to Jerusalem and stood on the high place and showed all the kingdoms of the world and promised authority over everything if He will worship the evil one. Jesus answers by sharing the words in Luke 4:8. We are called to worship God and serve only Him. Once again, Jesus does not give in to temptation. Jesus does not take the easy way out.
Next, Jesus was taken to the highest point of the temple. He is told to throw himself down. Here again, Jesus responds with another powerful statement (Luke 4:12), stating we are not to test God.
In each situation, Jesus responds with authority and refuses to worship the evil one. Jesus knows the love of His Father. Jesus will not resort to giving in to any manipulation.
After these temptations, He returns to Galilee. News spreads about Jesus and the Bible tells us that everyone praised Him.
Yet, when he went to Nazareth, his hometown and as He spoke in the synagogue, people were amazed at His gracious words (4:18). Some people brought up the fact that Jesus was a carpenter’s son. Some questioned if Jesus was truly the Messiah. People wanted proof of the works Jesus had performed. Some challenged His authority and ability. In return, Jesus did not perform any miracles. Instead of welcoming Him with open arms in his hometown, there were people who wanted more. They desired for Jesus to heal any ailments of people in this town before they believed that a simple carpenter’s son could be the Messiah.
Jesus shared that no prophet is accepted in his hometown. Jesus knew the people would want Him to perform miracles and healings everywhere.
People in the synagogue were angry and drove Jesus out of the town. Even while trying to throw Him off of a cliff, Jesus walked through that crowd and left the area (Luke 4:30).
Can you picture people surrounding Jesus and begging for healing? Can you picture the anger of some of the people? Do you think Jesus was heartbroken? His words are powerful.
As we read throughout the Bible, some recordings are not in chronological order. There are chronological Bibles to be studied and explored. In Matthew 27:32-44, we read about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As people gathered to witness the crucifixion and death of Christ,
the chief priest, teachers of the law, and the elders mocked Him (Matthew 27:41-44). Doubt is shown in their statements. Those people questioned that if Jesus could save others, then, why couldn’t He come down off of the cross and save himself? There were believers and unbelievers, just as there are today.
When we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us through His death on the cross, we can know the love our creator has for all His children.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. Scripture tells us about Jesus sharing how no prophet is accepted in his hometown (Luke 4:25-28). Jesus shares about the lack of faith in communities. People wanted proof of every miracle and every healing. Jesus tells the crowds that He has been anointed by God to preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, and to set the captives free.
Can you imagine the crowds of people listening to Jesus speak? Jesus knew the reactions He was going to receive in some areas. That did not stop Him from speaking and sharing the message of God.
Many of us can relate to wanting proof of everything. In this day of fast technology and instant gratification, some people want to know the what, why, when, where, and how the benefits or poor choices affect everyone.
The people in the hometown of Jesus lacked faith. Instead of believing without questioning, there were responses filled with fear of the unknown. Some people waited for Jesus to perform miracles before they would trust and believe He was the Messiah. They wanted to see the miracles performed with their own eyes. Some believed while others questioned.
Do people question His authority today? Have you shared a conversation with someone about their faith? Do you feel the need to witness miracles happen?
In the world today, hard times and heartache will come and go. When our bodies are broken, whether spiritually, mentally, or physically, we have the opportunity to seek God and ask for help. Does asking God for help mean each prayer will be answered in the way we want it to be answered? Simply, no.
As humans, we are not able to “heal ourselves” with no help. God provides healing through His Word, and through the wisdom, discernment, and revelation He gives to certain people. For example, God allows medical professionals to seek and find medicines and cures for certain diseases. We could not find those answers without Him.
God allows broken relationships to be healed, with His help. God shares His love for us through the words He gives writers and readers. Clergy and laypeople are given compassion, wisdom, knowledge, and more. Each person is given unique talents and abilities to help in the healing journey of others.
When sickness invades the life of a loved one or our own life, we search for wisdom and guidance as we seek to be healed and renewed.
There are times when healing will be found on this earth. Other times, complete healing will be found in Heaven. We can find comfort in knowing healing is coming, one way or another.
Going to God and asking for His help, forgiveness, mercy, and grace will open the door for a closer relationship with Him.
Father, as we read Scripture, listen to sermons, and study Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of Your love. Healings of the mind, body, and spirit, come from You. We cannot do these things on our own. Thank You, Father, for your forgiveness and mercy. Thank You for the ability to learn more about You in every moment. Amen.
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
He is a cross pendant.
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He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
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