March to the Cross
Wednesday, March 24
Jesus: Powerful King
Focus: Jesus displays His power over nature, disease, demons, and death.
Today’s verses:
Matthew 8:27 And they marveled, saying, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Matthew 9:21 (The woman suffering from 12 years of hemorrhaging) was saying to herself, “If I only touch the fringe of His cloak I will get well.”
Matthew 9:33 And after the demon was cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this was ever seen in Israel.”
Matthew 9:36 And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.
I thought I would review the steps that we have taken thus far on our March to the Cross. Do you remember that in our first week Jesus, King Eternal, spoke the world into existence? And then in Week 2, we saw that because of his great love for us, he was willing to be born into our messy world. In Week 3, Jesus was blessed by his Father from heaven as his cousin John baptized him; and then he, King of kings, picked 12 unlikely friends to follow him in his ministry. Also, we read that he offered eternal life to those who believe and living water to those who will receive. And now in this week’s journey, we see Jesus heal people with a touch and calm a storm with a word. Wow. Truly, "What kind of man is this?" (Matthew 8:27).
If I were the recipient of the Jesus' healing touch in the days that he walked the streets as the God-Man, who would I want to mimic? My mind keeps turning to the woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve long years. She had heard of the Miracle Worker and when she got word that he was nearby, she sought him out in the thick crowd; then, with all the faith she had within her, she reached out to touch the fringe of his cloak. She was healed physically, yes, but more importantly, and what all the miracles of Jesus' day point to...she was healed spiritually by the only One who could do so. I would have wanted to see Jesus' face when he spoke these words into my very soul, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." (Matt. 9:22)
What about you? If you were the recipient of one of Jesus’ miracles, how would you have reacted, and also, what do you think Jesus would most want you to understand concerning Himself?
For further reading: Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 9
Dear Lord,
Your Scripture shows us that you have complete authority of nature, disease, demons, and death! We believe every word to be true. How comforting to know that you are in charge! Jesus, thank you for all that you did on the earth to point us to a greater life with you today and for eternity. Please continue to reveal yourself to us so that we can worship you with a full heart. Amen.