JESUS HEALS EVERYONE HE ENCOUNTERS
FOR AUDIO VERSION CLICK HERE. A demonized man healed. Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, "Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Simon's mother-in-law healed. Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. A variety of people healed. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea. Remember when Jesus spoke to the synagogue in his hometown? He quoted Isaiah 61 which set forth the mission of the Messiah--healing all kinds of diseases and difficulties, setting people free. Well, in this section of Luke, Jesus is doing just that--being God's Messiah. NOTE that when the people tried to keep him in one place, Jesus said, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." Just a few years ago I came to realize that Jesus is the Gospel--Jesus plus nothing else. Now, here Jesus talks about the "Gospel of the Kingdom." Jesus is the person (the what) of the Gospel. The Gospel is a person, not a program. And, the Kingdom of God is the way we act out this person's presence in our lives (the how). When you practice kingdom principles, you are practicing the rule of Jesus in your life in that situation, in that moment. So, the Gospel--the good news--is Jesus and His kingdom. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (that's Jesus). Just as we have been seeing in the book of Acts. The primary theme is Jesus and the kingdom. Jesus, in person, taught the disciples about the kingdom, Jesus, in person with His great I AM's taught mostly about the kingdom. Then at the end of Acts Paul hosts all those who are interested in his rented quarters and taught them about Jesus and the kingdom of God. When you encounter Jesus, you will be changed or will be healed. The healing touch of Jesus' presence is most powerful and empowering, no matter your background or religious beliefs. So, do everything you can do to stay close with Jesus and His kingdom and you will know His healing touch on your life. This is not just a first century experience; it is for today--for you and those you love.
