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Welcome to Day 10 of our journey through “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus: An Inspirational Study on Luke” by Dustin Royer. Today, we explore the miraculous healings and wonders performed by Jesus, which not only reveal His compassion but also affirm His divine authority and the arrival of God’s Kingdom.
In Luke 5:12-26, we encounter two significant healing miracles that highlight Jesus’ power and mercy. These accounts serve as powerful testimonies of His divine mission and the transformative impact of His ministry.
Healing a Man with Leprosy
The first miracle involves a man covered with leprosy who approaches Jesus and begs to be healed. He falls with his face to the ground and says:
“Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” (Luke 5:12 NIV)
Jesus reaches out His hand, touches the man, and says:
“I am willing. Be clean!” (Luke 5:13 NIV)
Immediately, the leprosy leaves him, and the man is healed. Jesus instructs him to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.
Reflection:
- Read Luke 5:12-16: Reflect on the faith of the leper and Jesus’ willingness to heal.
- Consider: What does this miracle teach you about Jesus’ compassion and power? How can you approach Jesus with your own needs and trust in His willingness to help?
Healing a Paralyzed Man
The second miracle involves a paralyzed man whose friends bring him to Jesus. Unable to reach Jesus because of the crowd, they go up on the roof and lower the man on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus sees their faith, He says:
“Friend, your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 5:20 NIV)
The Pharisees and teachers of the law begin thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus, knowing their thoughts, asks:
“Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Luke 5:23-24 NIV)
He then tells the paralyzed man:
“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” (Luke 5:24 NIV)
Immediately, the man stands up in front of them, takes what he had been lying on, and goes home praising God. Everyone is amazed and gives praise to God, filled with awe and saying:
“We have seen remarkable things today.” (Luke 5:26 NIV)
Key Lessons
- Faith and Persistence: The friends of the paralyzed man show great faith and persistence in bringing him to Jesus, overcoming obstacles to ensure he receives healing.
- Authority to Forgive Sins: Jesus’ declaration of forgiveness highlights His divine authority, demonstrating that He is not only a healer but also the one who has the power to forgive sins.
- Public Testimony: Both miracles serve as public testimonies to Jesus’ divine nature and the presence of God’s Kingdom, causing people to praise and glorify God.
Reflection:
- Read Luke 5:17-26: Reflect on the faith of the friends and the significance of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins.
- Consider: How does Jesus’ ability to forgive sins and heal diseases impact your understanding of His mission? In what areas of your life do you need to experience His healing and forgiveness?
Prayer/Action:
Pray for the faith to approach Jesus with your needs and the needs of others. Reflect on areas in your life where you need healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and ask Jesus for His touch. Consider how you can support and bring others to Jesus, just as the friends did for the paralyzed man.
Tomorrow, we will delve into Jesus’ teachings and parables, uncovering the wisdom and insights He imparts through His words. Let’s continue walking together, inspired by the miracles and the profound authority of Jesus.
Stay blessed, and see you tomorrow!
Dustin Royer