March 9, 2022
What does it say?
Jesus called His first disciples, cleansed a leper, forgave and healed a paralytic, associated with sinners, and responded to the confrontations of the Pharisees.
What does it mean?
Jesus mercifully embraced those who came to Him, including the men He called as disciples. Peter not only recognized his own sinfulness but was commissioned by Jesus to do the same for other men. Even though crowds surrounded Him, Jesus ministered individually to each penitent person. His touch restored the untouchable leper to society, and His words spiritually and physically healed the paralytic. Jesus revealed Himself as God, the compassionate Great Physician, forever changing lives and eternal destinies!
How should I respond?
We are surrounded every day by souls that are desperate for the life-changing touch of the Lord Jesus Christ. Telling people about Jesus gives them the opportunity to repent and receive forgiveness of their sins. Do you know a social outcast who needs the love of Jesus? Then let it flow through you. Maybe you know someone like the crippled man who cannot get to church without help. Will you compassionately share your resources and offer assistance? By embracing others as Jesus did, you can help them find spiritual healing. If you answered the call of Christ, you too are now a fisher of men.