THE GREAT PHYSICIAN IS HERE Luke 4:22-44
Proposition: “Jesus as the Great Physician is always available for assistance for salvation and in our spiritual life and to nurture us in our physical life as well.”
Objective: My purpose is to challenge all, especially God’s people. to receive all the assistance that Jesus can offer.
INTRODUCTION: (Thanks to David Dykes for help on this)
William Hunter, a Methodist minister, wrote these words: The Great Physician now is near, The sympathizing Jesus; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer, Oh! Hear the voice of Jesus. Sweetest name in seraph song, Sweetest name on mortal tongue; Sweetest carol ever sung, Jesus, blessed Jesus. Your many sins are all forgiv’n, Oh! hear the voice of Jesus. Go on your way in peace to heav’n, And wear a crown with Jesus.
Health care has changed in the last 50 years very much. Seldom did one go to a hospital and doctors in rural areas made house calls. They were mostly general practice and they would make the rounds in the area. They would put a sign on the door that said, “The doctor is out.” A person needing to see the doctor would wait or go away disappointed. The other side of the sign, “The doctor is in.” Today, we can give thanks that our Great Physician, is in. He is available to help you right now—no waiting, since He is here available to assist any and all who need Him. You don’t have to go away disappointed today.
The people at Nazareth were astonished that Joseph’s and Mary’s son could speak as He did. They wondered at His preaching, but they did not take it to heart. They had heard of His reputation at Nazareth, but they did not believe (Mark 6:5), so Jesus did not work any miracles there. They wanted proof. Jesus illustrates His point with reference to two great prophets, Elijah who was cared for by a widow woman of Sidon (1 Kings 17:8ff) and Elisha who healed the leper Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5:1-14). What angered the people was the compli-ment that Jesus paid to these Gentiles. The Jews were so infuriated at this as they believed that they were God’s people that they despised all others. The Jews believed that “God had created the Gentiles to be fuel for the fires of hell.” And here was this young Jesus preaching as if they were specially favored of God. Their response was: “Grace to the Gentiles? Get out of Dodge!” So anger swept through the whole congregation (“God for the Jews”) and they ran out of town and even tried to kill Him. Though the cliff hasn’t been identified, Nazareth is built on the edge of a mountain. To the west the ground drops very rapidly to the fertile Jezreel Valley below. Without hearing or trial, and in violation of both Jewish and Roman law, His townspeople intended to kill Him by throwing Him over a precipice, perhaps as a prelude to stoning. When the Jews at Nazareth threw Him out of their synagogue and tried to murder him for preaching the Gospel, our Lord came down to Capernaum, another Galilean city. Let’s follow Him at Capernaum, His adopted town now. Jesus refers to Himself as Physician. Now we see that the Great Physician is now ready to serve.
I. HIS AUTHORITY: THE SUPREME LORD (vvs. 31-32) “His Word was with authority”—In the synagogue—Jesus is Lord over all.
1. The intention (vvs. 31a) “He went down to Capernaum” (cf. 2:23)—-He goes “down” because the lakeside city was on a lower sea level.
2. The instruction (v. 31b) “was teaching them on the Sabbaths”--The scribes were considered the religious teachers of their day. They copied the Scriptures as well as the huge body of oral tradition that had developed (613 laws).
3. The insistence (v. 32) “They were astonished…His Word was with authority”—They never applied an original thought to a passage of Scripture for their teaching consisted of saying, “Rabbi Shammai (or Hillel) says.” The scribes didn’t teach with authority, they only quoted others. They spoke about God. It is possible to have authority without having power.
Illus: Once there was a federal geologist who had been authorized by the US government to go around and conduct some seismographic tests at certain locations. He approached a farmer and said, “I need to go out into your pasture and take some reading.” The farmer looked at the man and said, “You can’t go out in my field.” The worker got a little irate and pulled out an official govern-ment document signed by the Secretary of the Interior. He showed it to the farmer and said, “This piece of paper says I can go wherever I need to in order to conduct these tests.” The farmer said, “I don’t care what the paper says, you can’t go out in my field.” By now the federal employee was getting tired to this, so he just ignored the farmer and climbed over the fence. He walked out into the middle of the pasture and set up his equipment while the farmer was leaning on the fence. In a few minutes the ground began to shake and the geologist thought there was a minor earthquake—that is until he looked up and saw a huge angry bull charging across the pasture at him. The bull had his head lowered and was zeroed in on the poor geologist. The terrified guy forgot his equipment and started running toward the fence screaming to the farmer for help. The farmer hollered out to him, “Show him your papers!” You see, the geologist had the authority to go out in that field, but he didn’t have the power. Jesus had authority and He also had the power.
Illus: The children too, both great & small, Who love the name of Jesus, May now accept the gracious call To work & live for Jesus.
II. HIS SUPERIORITY: THE ALL-SUFFICIENT HELPER (vvs. 33-41) “He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted”—At Simon’s house-- To authenticate His authority in His new hometown, Jesus performed a series of healing miracles which showed that His teaching in Nazareth was true (vvs. 18-19). First, they authenticate His person and teaching, proving Him to be the Messiah sent by the Father (see Luke 7:20-22). Second, the miracles show us who Jesus is. He feeds the 5,000 and claims to be the bread of life. He claims to be the light of the world and opens the eyes of a man born blind. Third, the miracles give symbolic lessons of spiritual truth. The sick and the dead represent the human race, broken under sin. Without Christ, they are helpless. But when He speaks the word, they are instantly cured. Thus the miracles show
us God’s great gift of salvation. Finally, the miracles show us either implicitly or explicitly how we should respond to Jesus Christ.
1. Over Satan (vvs. 33-37) “Be quiet, & come out of him”—Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8) & evil. Jesus’ power is superior so the demons had to obey Him.
1). The resistance (vvs. 33-34) “Let us alone!” The demon-possessed man soon took possession of the worship as he screamed at Jesus, “What are U doing here? What do you want with us? I know Your name. You are the Holy One of God.” 3.7.2.2. He knew much & talked well. (Griffith Thomas)
This proves again that more than head belief is needed – it is only heart love acceptance. [Demons believe & at least they tremble!]
2). The rebuke (v. 35a) “He has sent Me to heal ”—Jesus, not Satan and his demons, controlled who would testify to His Messianic identity. Jesus always remained in control. He had kingdom news, “Be quiet. Get out of him! You have no control over anyone that trusts Me.”
3). The reaction (v. 35b) “It came out of Him”—The demons did what Jesus said, “Get out and stay out. Do not hurt the man. Leave Him alone.” Jesus had power over demons. They had no power over Him.
4). The reply (v. 36) “What a Word this is!” The chorus of amazement continues. Not only His teaching (4:14-15, 22, 32) but also His actions astounded the crowd. They had never heard or seen anyone like this who had such authority in teaching as well as authority over demons.
5). The report (v. 37) “The report about Him went out into every place”—Let the gossip lines open up! Everyone is talking about Jesus. But they do believe? Is this the kind of witness Jesus wants? What must be added to their stories of authority as well as authority over demons.
2. Over sickness (vvs. 38-41)—There was a personal touch in that Jesus laid His hands on every one of them as He healed them.
1). The request (v. 38) “He…entered Simon’s house…
They made request of Him.”—It was not only Simon Peter (Mark adds “& Andrew”--that James & John went along.). Here was a home loved by Jesus, near to Jesus, & yet sickness came! No sternness or abhorrence was shown because she was sick!
2). The reproof (v. 39) “He…rebuked the fever”—Note the completeness of the cure as she was again able to serve the people.
3). The response (v. 40) “All those who had any that were sick…brought them to Him” The people could not be carried on the Sabbath, but with its end at sundown people lost no time.
4). The recognition (v. 41a) “You are the Christ, the Son of God”—Note that the demons recognize that “He was the Christ.” It took the disciples a long time to learn that lesson.
5). The refusal (v. 41b) “He…did not allow them to speak”—The refusal to allow the demons to disclose that Jesus was the Christ was probably to forestall nationalistic Messianic movements. Popular enthusiasm would have made a rebel hero out of any Messiah!
Illus: Satan is a defeated foe & we don’t have to fear him. There was an attendant at a zoo that entered the cage of a lion while people stood & watched. When he entered the cage he had nothing in his hands but a broom. Carefully closing the door, he proceeded to sweep the floor of the cage. One of the onlookers noticed the Zoo employee had no weapon to ward off an attack by the beast. In fact, when he got to the corner of the cage where the lion was lying, he poked the animal with the broom. The loin growled at him and then lay down in another corner of the enclosure. The observer remarked to the attendant, “you certainly are a brave man, either that or the lion is tame.” “No, I ain’t brave, he said, “but I know something about that lion that you don’t.” He chuckled and said, “I know that this lion is old and slow and he ain’t got no teeth.” When Jesus died on the cross He rendered Satan toothless and clawless. Not only is the devil truth-less; He is toothless. And while the devil is clawless, he isn’t clueless; he’s shrewd and tricky. But rejoice that Jesus is far superior in power. (1 John 4:4).
Illus: Come, brethren, help me sing His praise, Oh, praise the name of Jesus, Oh, sisters, all your voices raise, Oh, bless the name of Jesus.
III. HIS PRIORITY: THE UNSELFISH WORKER (vvs. 42-44) “I must preach…for this purpose I have been sent”—Jesus retired to a solitary place near Capernaum. The crowd urged not to leave, but Jesus sought God’s priority for His kingdom.
1. Go alone with God for prayer (v. 42a) “He departed & went into a deserted place”—Mark 1:35 states, “He (Jesus) went out & departed to a solitary place; & there He prayed.” Often after a busy day Jesus retired from the crowds in order to pray (3:21—before baptism; 6:12—all night before selecting 12; 9:29—before Transfiguration; 22:39-46-Garden of Gethsemane). This is worship in focusing upon God & developing intimacy with Him.
Samuel Rutherford, a saintly Scottish mystic of the 17th
century, wrote from his prison cell: "Lord cut, Lord carve, Lord mould, Lord do anything that may perfect thy Father’s image in us, and make us meet for glory".
Milton, totally blind at the age of 44, wrote of his "Soul more bent to serve therewith my Maker."
Beethoven, a devout believer, stricken with deafness, went on to write music of unsurpassed genius.
Rembrandt, broken in health went on to paint glorious themes from the Bible, as a testimony to his living faith.
Amy Carmichael, that saintly missionary to India, had to endure 20 years of pain, yet from her bed wrote books full of delight in her Savior and Lord.
Illus: All Amy Carmichael ever wanted to do was serve, but in God’s perfect plan she had to learn an even harder lesson—to be served. She said with a touch of humor, “I had so fully expected to be like the old ox in Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, who ‘kep’ a’ goin’ an’ a’ goin’ till he died a-standin’ up, an’ even then they had to push him over.’” She spent her life rescuing children in India from the Hindu practice of temple prostitution. The care of these orphans demanded everything she had. Yet Amy loved the work so much that she hoped to do it until she died. But God had another plan. Although she prayed for healing many times, Amy spent her last twenty years confined to bed. When she could do nothing but stare at the ceiling, she still kept the motto, “Servant of all.” Amy Carmichael wrote hundreds of letters to encourage others. Feeling useless, Amy called herself “a slug on a cabbage leaf.” She prayed, “Take from me all slothful-ness that I may fill up the crevices of time and truly finish all He wants me to do.” As a young missionary, Amy had two words written on the wall: “Yes, Lord.” Little did she know that “Yes, Lord” would include so much pain. In her book Candles in the Dark she writes to a friend, “‘All the paths of the Lord are loving-kindness’ (Ps. 25:10). All does not mean ‘all but these paths we are in now.’ All must mean all. So your path with its unexplained sorrow, and mine with its unexplained sharp flints and briers . . . are just loving-kindness, nothing less.”
2. Go on and glorify God regardless of what others
might think (v. 42b) “The crowd…tried to keep Him from leaving them”—After Jesus retired to this deserted place near Capernaum and they had found Him, they urged Him not to leave. His main purpose was to go to people spiritually sick and share the Good News to them. Jesus did not want to be known primarily as a Miracle Worker. He performed some miracles as acts of compassion and as signs (credentials) of the kingdom, but He had come to preach and make real the Good News of God’s grace and presence.
3. Go to the people and share (vvs. 43-44) “I must preach the
kingdom”— Then He reminded them that He had work to do in the other cities ... of Galilee. So from synagogue to synagogue, He went preaching the Good News about the kingdom of God. Jesus Himself was the King. He desired to reign over them. But first they must repent. He would not reign over a people who clung to their sins. This was the obstacle. They wanted to be saved from political problems but not from their sins.
Illus: And when to that bright world above, We rise to see our Jesus, We’ll sing around the throne of love His name, the name of Jesus.
CONCLUSION:
1. What is my basis of truth? The Word of God. He says come &… Trade in your works for His Grace? Swap your Churchianity for Christianity? Exchange your, “I deserve better than this” for, “I’ll take His mercy”? Surrender your religion for just Jesus? Relinquish your Gloom for radiant Joy? Give up your spirit of heaviness & accept His garment of praise?
2. Have I been touched & changed by Jesus? If so, am I joyfully serving Him?
3. What is my priority in life? Thought, Talk, Time & Treasure.
4. What is God saying to you? The Great Physician is here. Will you serve Him as your main priority in life?
Illus: TOO LATE--A surgeon was awakened by a phone call at 2:30 one frigid winter morning. The nurse on the line explained that an eight-year-old boy had been hit by a car and was bleeding profusely. The attending physician had determined that unless the boy was operated on immediately, he would not survive. The surgeon threw on his clothes and rushed out into the subzero weather. He scraped his car’s windshield just enough to be able to see where he was going and started the icy five-mile trip to the hospital. Each time he stopped at a red light he opened his car door and leaned out just enough to scrape a little more ice from the windshield. At one intersection, about a mile and a half from the hospital, the surgeon noticed a man wearing a brown coat and an old green hat impatiently trying to cross the street. As the surgeon leaned out of his car, the man rushed over, grabbed him by his coat, and pulled him to the ground.
The surgeon tried to put up a fight but was no match for the burly, and apparently desperate, man. While the surgeon struggled to his feet, the man jumped in the surgeon’s car and drove away. Unhurt, the surgeon hurried to a phone booth and called for a cab. Twenty minutes later he finally made it to the hospital. “Where’s the boy who was hit by a car?” he asked one of the nurses as he hurried through the emergency room. The nurse’s eyes welled up with tears. “We couldn’t stop the bleeding,” she said. “He died just a few minutes ago. His parents are still in the waiting area, if you’d like to speak to them.”
The surgeon took a deep breath & walked out into the waiting area. A woman in a long red coat was sitting in the middle of the room, sobbing into her hands. Behind her, a man stood with his hand on her shoulder. His head was bowed & his eyes were closed. He was wearing a brown coat & an old green hat.
The boy’s father, in his rush to get to the hospital, had pushed aside the one man who could have saved his son’s life. How many people rush through life pushing aside the Great Physician—the only one who is capable of giving them life?
Prepared by: Gerald R. Steffy
6206 N. Hamilton Road, Peoria, IL 61614
Phone: 309/691-3680 or 309/645-3677
E-Mail: grsteffy@yahoo.com to receive
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