To Heal and to Save
Jesus came to heal and to save; that was his mission and his purpose.
At that time, the people largely accepted Jesus’ healing ministry, but not so much his saving ministry.
Today, it is the opposite, with his followers accepting his saving ministry, but not so much his healing ministry.
There is a wonderful story that covers both of his ministries in one account:
A paralyzed man is carried to Jesus. His need seems self-evident—to walk. Yet, Jesus’ first response is to forgive the man of his sins. (Forgiving his sins, made him right with God, thereby saving him.)
The religious elite are aghast at Jesus’ audacity.
Then to prove his authority to forgive sins, Jesus also heals the man—who then gets up and walks home.
Yes, Jesus came to heal and to save. He did it then; he does it today.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Matthew 8-10, and today’s post is on Matthew 9:2-7.]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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