Nougat 11

I’ve preached around this idea of Jesus the healer so many times, yet I’ve only recently noticed the significance of the people’s response. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Matthew 14:35-36 NIV

[35] And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him

[36] and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Sending Word

Do you realize that our Nougat says the men sent word far and wide? Wow! That must have been something to see. The moment the people recognized Jesus, the news of His presence spread like wildfire. It was as if they’d been impatiently awaiting His arrival. Those weren’t the days of mobile phones, yet the speed of their word of mouth technology seemed cellular.

I am also impressed that those men didn’t keep the news about Jesus’ visit only to their community. We’re told that *they sent word to all the surrounding country*. They didn’t hold back when they shared the news. They wanted everyone to benefit from Jesus’ miracles. And they did. Well, at least those who made the effort. We’re told that people begged to just touch the fringes of His cloak to receive their healing.

And they were healed!

For that’s the other thing about the men spreading the Good News of a Jesus sighting. They recognized Him for Who He is. Those men had zero doubt about Jesus’ capacity to heal. Their faith in Jesus was rewarded when the crowds thronged Jesus and asked permission to touch His garments. (In their day, it was believed that touching the fringes of a holy person’s garments brought healing).

How about us? We have claimed Jesus as our Christ (i.e., our Saviour). I hope that we have proven Him since we made our confession of faith. Since then, have we been telling others about this Jesus, Who has the power to forgive sins and heal diseases? Are there others with whom we can share this Good News? To say to them that Jesus is in town, come now?

That kind of revolution can happen in our time. But it has to start with us choosing to share Jesus with the world. We might use a pulpit, we might lead a Bible study, or even share with others through one-to-one evangelism. Better still, we can each do so with our lifestyle. When we allow God’s light to shine through our actions, others who see what we do will glorify God in Heaven.

May our willingness to share Jesus’ love and healing grace with our families and our spheres of influence be as fruitful as the men’s sharing in Jesus’ day.

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May all we seek be found in Christ