In this broken world in which we live, too many people are overlooked, ignored or marginalized. Societies today and through the centuries have had to make decisions on how they treat people who are injured, physically challenged or mentally challenged. Tragically some societies have chosen to eliminate, cast away, or oppress the vulnerable. But not so with Jesus, and not so with Christians who follow in the way of Christ.
Jesus shows us the way to treat all people. He knows that each person is created by God, made in the image of God. When He walked the earth, He accepted those that society had rejected. He showed them love. He met their needs. He showed them the way to a true relationship with God. He changed their lives.
Matthew 15:29-31
29 Moving on from there, Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee. He went up on a mountain and sat there, 30 and large crowds came to Him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, those unable to speak, and many others. They put them at His feet, and He healed them. 31 So the crowd was amazed when they saw those unable to speak talking, the deformed restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they gave glory to the God of Israel.
Let’s follow His example.
WELCOME those that the world has rejected (vv29-30). As Jesus moved around the countryside developing leaders and teaching people about God, word would spread about His location. When He was nearby a town, the people of the town would bring to Him their family and friends that were lame, blind, deformed and those unable to speak. Jesus did not cast them away or ask them to leave. Jesus welcomed them. We follow His example when we welcome the rejected into our lives.
Point them to the HEALING power of Jesus (v30). We do not claim to have healing power within us, but rather we point them to the Great Physician, Jesus. When the townspeople brought people to Jesus, He healed them. And just as in Jesus’ day, the greatest healing that a person can receive is salvation through Jesus Christ. Doctors set broken bones back in place, but the Lord causes the body to heal. Pastors and counselors help individuals and families who are struggling, but it is the Lord who heals their hearts. No matter what the person’s need, start with Jesus. He is the One who provides wisdom, guidance and healing.
Tell the amazing STORIES of Jesus working in their lives (v31). In Jesus’ days, the crowds were amazed at the way Jesus brought sight to the blind, healing to the lame, and restoration to the deformed. Throughout the land they told the stories of His healing power. We should the same today. When God restores a marriage, brag on Jesus. Tell the story to someone of how God did that. When a sick person is healed, brag on Jesus. Tell the story to someone of how God did that. When a lost person is saved, brag on Jesus. Tell the story to someone of how God did that.
Give GLORY to God (v31). The disciples did not take credit for the healing. The townspeople did not take credit for the healing. The people who were healed did not take credit for their own healing. They gave glory to God for what He had done in their lives through Jesus. Today, phrases like “Praise God” and “We give thanks to God” express our gratitude to God and give glory to Him, the One to whom glory is due.
Welcome the rejected. Point them to the healing power of Jesus. Tell the amazing stories of Jesus working in their lives. Give glory to God. Follow in the way of Christ.