Jesus’ Mercy for Those in Need
Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. Luke 4:40
Our Lord Jesus is revealed to the people of Judea and Samaria is His teaching, but also in His acts of mercy. The Gospel accounts are records of how Jesus’ public ministry is the fulfillment of what was spoken through Isaiah, the prophet. In Luke 4:40, the evangelist notes how people were bringing sick people to Jesus as the sun was setting and He took the time to touch and heal every one of them. The Gospel accounts show how Jesus’ power is demonstrated in the healings of many, but also the healing of the solitary. Our Lord is always concerned for the one.
Though Jesus has ascended to His Father’s right hand, there remains a merciful concern for the one. Our Lord’s love for the one continues to be at work as the ministry of the Church tends to the needs of body and soul for hurting people. Christ’s Body, the Church, remains a vehicle of mercy for hurting people in our communities as we care for those in need.
From small towns to the large cities, our congregations are positioned to provide Christ’s mercy to hurting people around us. What are the biggest needs of your neighborhood or community? How might your congregation be that vehicle of mercy to meet the needs of body and soul for your neighbor? As you gather again for worship on Sunday, as the Word of Absolution is pronounced and the dismissal from the Lord’s Supper is spoken, may you be reminded that Christ has indeed demonstrated that mercy to you!
Prayer – Lord Jesus Christ, You healed all manner of infirmities during Your earthly ministry, continue to bring Your mercy and care to those in needs through Your Body, the Church, so that hurting people would receive the Gospel and the true healing of body and soul; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan