Good Physician

Welcome. May God bless our study today.

Read Psalm 56

Read Matthew 9

Today we see that Jesus is the Good Physician of body and soul. Today he reaches out in compassion and forgives a paralyzed man, healing his sinful soul. Then he reaches down heals the man's crippled body.

Later when he calls Matthew to be his disciple, he explains that he has come precisely for sinners like Matthew. After all, the well don't need a doctor, only the sick.

Jesus heals many other people, but also, most amazingly, he even raises a girl from the dead!

And this Jesus who has authority over death is still active in this world. Though he has ascended to heaven, he tells us that he has all authority in heaven and on earth and that he is always with us.

Yes, we can be assured that the Good Physician of body and soul is still active in our lives. All our sins are forgiven by him. The Pharisees disbelieved that he had this ability to forgive. But we are convinced, for Scriptures have revealed to us, and the Holy Spirit has confirmed within us, that Jesus has indeed conquered sin, death, and the Devil, and grants this victory to us.

We know he forgives us. And we believe that he has the power to heal. It doesn't mean we don't take medicine, or go see a doctor, but it does mean that if healing comes we give credit to God. It does mean also that we trust in God more than earthly treatments. It means that ultimately, even if God allows us to suffer and die in this life, He, the Good Physician, will heal us perfectly and completely on the Last Day, when he raises these bodies out of their graves and glorifies them. Yes, the Good Physician will give perfect health to our glorified bodies forever. How our hurting bodies long for that day. And our our pained souls long for complete restoration too. Imagine: no sin, but only perfect love! Come, Lord Jesus!

Ask Yourself:

Do I see myself as spiritually sick and in need of healing, or do I often believe I am well and don't need the Good Physician?

What diseases of body and soul need healing from Jesus Christ?

When I am in trouble, do I remind myself to trust in God, as David does in our psalm today?

Pray:

Pray from your heart today. Ask God to heal you in body and soul. Ask him to strengthen you to endure the troubles of this life. Thank him for the sure promise that he will raise and glorify our bodies. Thank him that Jesus has won the victory for us!

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!