The Word of God is full of accounts of crowds coming to Jesus to be healed. “His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24).
“They brought to him many … and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick” (8:16).
“When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick” (14:14).
Why were these miracles taking place? Because Jesus saw the people who were sick and hurting and he had compassion on them. While he always sought out those who were lost, his heart was constantly broken for the afflicted. In addition to his great compassion, Jesus had a higher calling on his life — the glorification of his Father. He wanted to show forth the splendor and majesty of God and exalt his name through the works that he did.
As the disciples walked with Jesus and ministered alongside him, Jesus emphasized to them that they could do even greater things than he was doing. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do” (John 14:12).
Now, you and I believe that Jesus heals the sick and he came to reach the lost. But are we seeing him perform miracles through us? We sing Jesus songs, hear Jesus sermons, read Jesus books and pray for one another — but are we closely following Jesus? Too much of the American mentality says that following Jesus means believing certain creeds — but diligently following him is so much more.
Pray this prayer with me: “Jesus, give me the power, the faith, the confidence, the courage to examine my heart by your Word. Then inspire me to allow you to work through me to even greater works than you did when you were on the earth.”