Read Luke 5

General George Washington was not keen on becoming the first American president. Just as he served his new country militarily in the Revolutionary War, however, he also chose to serve politically. Nevertheless, after two presidential terms, Washington humbly retired to his country estate, refusing what could have easily become unilateral power.

Jesus was a humble man, living among common people. In a single chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we see the variety of settings for His ministry and the diversity of people with whom He interacted. From a boat, He taught a gathered crowd on the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret. He helped a group of fishermen make a surprise catch. He attended a banquet hosted by an unseemly group of tax collectors. Jesus’ good-news campaign wasn’t launched from afar. He walked among people and touched even the most untouchable.

The crowds continued to flock to hear Jesus’ authoritative teaching and be healed, and Jesus, eager to perform physical and spiritual miracles, did both—albeit in unexpected ways. For example, when a paralyzed man was lowered from the roof by faithful friends, Jesus first pronounced the forgiveness of his sins. Then, when the Pharisees accused Him of blasphemy, He demonstrated His authority to forgive sin by exercising His power to heal.

Though we often have separate categories for spiritual and physical healing, Jesus’ understanding of human personhood is more integrated. He recognizes that our greatest problems are spiritual, but He also acknowledges our need for physical healing. Bodies matter to God as much as souls. In fact, as Scripture reminds us, sin often acts like sickness (see Psalm 32; James 5). Jesus is the Great Physician sent for healing—both the sick and the sinner.

APPLY THE WORD

The leper acknowledged Jesus’ power to heal, but he was uncertain about His willingness. We often trust God’s power but mistrust God’s goodness. Let’s remember what the psalmist has said about God’s character: “You are good, and what you do is good” (Ps. 119:68). Trust God’s generosity in your life. He is willing to hear your prayer.

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