Everyone has a different opinion about Christ. They always have. But there are only a few options. The Great Deceiver is behind the first two of these options. He lives to blind our eyes about Christ. He paints Jesus as a complete fraud or a self-serving religious charlatan.
A NEW KINGDOM
When Christ burst upon the scene in human flesh, He announced that a new Kingdom had come. This seemed beyond belief. The Hebrews had looked for the Messiah’s coming for years, but they had trouble believing when He arrived. God's intent was to authenticate His Son's claims, and one of the ways He did this was by accomplishing supernatural signs and wonders and healing. Matthew records this in rapid-fire succession in Chapter 8 of his account.
And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:2-3)
And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented." Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." (Matthew 8:5-7)
When Jesus came into Peter's home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. (Matthew 8:14-15)
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases." (Matthew 8:16-17)
And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, which became perfectly calm. (Matthew 8:24-26)
Jesus healed and helped people everywhere He went. This authenticated His Divine authority over sickness and death, and demons. He even exercised authority over nature, calming the seas. He was Christ, and there was (and is) no other. But these miraculous works displayed even more. In each of them, we see the truth about Jesus.
A PURE MOTIVATION
What is beautiful about each of these experiences is Jesus' absolute willingness to help people. He met them right where they were—regardless of their situation—and resolved their dilemmas. He gladly stooped to heal lepers, the blind and the lame, the hemorrhaging, and the hurting. He was willing to talk in the night with a questioning religious leader and to invest His life for years in some disciples who had great potential but all kinds of dysfunctional issues. This is Jesus. The willing Jesus. The serving Jesus. The saving Jesus.
He has not changed, and the great assurance for us is this: If He was willing to help them, He is willing to help us.
In His new Kingdom, the King comes down from His throne and compassionately delivers those in need. He is driven by perfect love we will never see apart from Him. Surely we should be willing to believe and follow such a King!
Father, thank you for Your perfect love for me. Thank You for Your willingness to come to me, save me, heal me, and welcome me into Your Kingdom. Change my limited opinion of You, life-giving Savior! Deliver me from Satan’s lies about Your willingness to help the least and the lost. Expand my understanding. Help me see You fully and believe.
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
