Sermonette for Saturday
And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all. Luke 6:19
Isaiah 53:4 reminds us that the Lord Jesus would have – when He came as the Messiah – a ministry of healing: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. The Hebrew terms that are translated griefs and sorrows are the words for sicknesses and pains. The Lord Jesus did not set Himself up as a doctor; healing the sick was just part of His ministry as He made His way through this world. But heal He did, and much blessing resulted. The healings brought a great deal of attention to Him, and huge numbers thronged to hear Him preach and teach. Unlike the fake healings performed by the charismatic charlatans of today, the Lord Jesus performed miraculous restorations of life, health, and usefulness among those who were dead, sick, and disabled. Our text tells us why He could perform these miracles; it speaks of virtue going out of Him.
Note that our account is written by a doctor, a man who knew all about sickness and disease, a man who could confirm whether the lame and blind were actually disabled. Luke confirms the miracles with his medical authority. And he also confirms the manner in which those miracles were performed. No pills or potions were dispensed, no physical manipulation was applied, no incantations were uttered. No, Luke tells us that there flowed from the Lord Jesus a virtue, or power, that was greater than the diseases and infirmities. People reached out and touched Him, and were healed. There were no exceptions or limitations. The virtue, or power, was sufficient for all who came and touched. If we think about it, we should not be surprised. After all, the One the people were touching was none other than the Creator of the Universe, the One Whose power holds all things in existence. Yes, the miracles were amazing, but the source was none other than the Giver and Sustainer of all life. The virtue that flowed from Him at this time was just a tiny display of His almighty power. Can we wonder whether He can and will perform miracles around us today?
Despite the claims of the charismatics, the purposes of God are not fulfilled today by physical healings. The Lord Jesus healed people as proof of His deity and power. The early disciples used healings as a display and proof of the workings of the Holy Spirit. Such sign gifts are not needed today. Yes, it would be wonderful if illness and disabilities could be banished. But these bodies of ours are but shells that temporarily house our eternal souls. And today, our God is working to save immortal souls, a far more valuable purpose than that of healing mortal bodies. Just as virtue from the Lord Jesus could heal bodies in Bible times, so His virtue is saving souls in our time. Every precious soul that encounters Him is saved.
The power of the Lord Jesus to give eternal salvation to all who believe is the greatest miracle we can witness today. – Jim MacIntosh