“When Jesus Interrupts the Faithful”
Luke 5:12-16
INTRODUCTION
When people of faith encounter Jesus, there is a choice to make. We must act day by day on our faith. In this passage we find the story of a man who did so. From him we learn:
I. JESUS IS ALWAYS NEAR THE PERSON OF FAITH (5:12).
A. This man in need “saw” Jesus.
B. If you will open your eyes of faith today, you will see that Jesus is very nearby.
C. The man responded with actions and words of Faith.
D. This must be true for us all!
II. JESUS IS WILLING TO HEAL AND CLEANSE (5:13).
A. This man sought physical healing. But the healing of this man also represents spiritual healing that Jesus can bring into your life.
B. Jesus stands ready to make us whole. He does not guarantee physical healing, but He does guarantee for those who follow Him faithfully “abundant life – life to the full”. This is not determined by outward circumstances but by your personal faith relationship with Jesus.
C. Are you whole today? You can be!
III. JESUS IS GLORIFIED BY AN OBEDIENT LIFE (5:14-16).
A. Jesus did not seek fame or earthly glory.
B. The changed life of the leprous man was the greatest testimony of all to Jesus’ love and power.
C. What is being said “all the more” about Jesus because of your life? Is your life a channel through which the love and power of Jesus is reaching and helping other people?
CONCLUSION
People of faith sometimes fail to live as if that faith is real and active. Jesus does not want you to “compartmentalize” your life with faith neatly tucked away “where it belongs.” Jesus desires that you live by faith moment by moment so that you can experience the abundant life He has for you, a life that will reflect the love and healing that Jesus gives. What is keeping you from experiencing wholeness today? Bring your sin, your fears, your needs to Jesus today and in faith believe that He will provide perfectly for you in every way!
