Three main things

Three main things

Scripture:

Jesus went throughout Galilee proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 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. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region accross the Jordan followed Him Matthew 4:23-25

Application:

In this passage, it is good for us to focus on the three functions performed by the Lord during His ministry.

The first is teaching. In His time on earth, Jesus was a teacher par excellence, using parables and memorable sayings to bring out great truth about how people should live their lives. The sermon of the Mount is so great, that it even impacted the non-Christian Indian leader, Gandhi, who used its principles to bring a remarkable revolution of non-violence in India. In every church today, in every Christian group, teaching is a most important priority. Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations. The process of training disciples to walk deeper and deeper in the Lord is an important, ongoing responsibility. Many churches today provide not only training during Sunday messages but also Spiritual development classes for their members. Individually as Christians, we need to realize our need to grow in the Lord, moving away from just milk to solid food, so to speak.

Secondly, there is the function of preaching. Preaching is seen to be mainly for unbelievers, those who have not heard or have not yet accepted the good news of salvation which comes through believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Just as the church ought to have regular outreach events and programs, individually, we too, should seek to be involved in evangelism,  sharing with our neighbors, praying for the lost, and supporting evangelistic initiatives where we can.

Finally, there is healing. The Scripture says that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. His healing power is just as present today as it was more than 2,000 years ago. He has send forth His Holy Spirit to heal the sick. Praying for the sick is one of the most important ministries of the church. And healing here also includes deliverance, the casting out of demons. We too, are called to bring healing. Jesus said that certain signs would follow those who believe. If we believe, in Jesus name, we will lay hands on the sick and they will get well. In Jesus name, we will drive out demons. It is for us to simply believe on this Scripture and pray in faith.

Prayer:

Praise You, Lord Jesus, for the great example that You showed us even as You walked the earth. Teach me and help me grow strong in knowledge of You I pray. Lead me to places and resources where I can grow and become stronger that I may serve You in greater maturity and depth. Give me a deeper heart for the lost I pray, that I might become more and more involved in reaching those who do not You. Give me Your courage and faith I pray, even when I lay hands on the sick, that I might believe and see many healings take place. May Your name be glorified Lord Jesus in all the things I do. In Jesus name, Amen.