Years ago at theaters and plays, when a person got sick, someone would ask the question, is there a doctor in the house? If a doctor was in attendance, he would often treat all those who were sick, but at other times despite his medical expertise, he would lose a few. While his medical skills could help the physical, he could do nothing for the spiritual.
While doctors are important, I know a doctor above all doctors who can heal both the body and the soul. This doctor did not receive a degree in internal medicine from Harvard. He did not receive an optomology degree from Yale. He did not receive a theology degree from Princeton. Rather, he received his degree from Alpha to Omega University. He is the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. Therefore I stand to ask this question tonight: is Jesus in the House? You see my brothers and sisters, great things happen when Jesus is in the house.
Notice if you please, Jesus has just returned from a tour of Galilee. Capernaum serves as his headquarters in this region. Remember, Luke in chapter 4 of his Gospel, tells the story of those in “his own country” (Nazareth) rejecting him. They allowed their familiarity w/ God’s man to breed contempt. They thought his messianic claims were false, when he was indeed the Truth. Because of their envy, they remain like a cloud w/ no water, remaining dead twice plucked up by the roots.
He makes this city on the coasts of Galilee his headquarters to fulfill scripture. Isaiah prophesied that: The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; [16] The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
God had prepared Galilee down through history for the coming of His Son’s ministry. Galilee was strategically located. The world’s leading roads passed through its borders. Merchants from all over the world passed through and boarded in its cities. Galilee was heavily populated. It was also surrounded by the Samaritans, Phoenicians, and Syrians making it an open door for world evangelization. It was one of the most fertile lands in that part of the world. There were multitudes for Jesus to reach. Galilee was open to new and fresh ideas. Its people, having come from all over the world, were liberal minded, always looking for new and fresh ideas to stimulate and challenge their thinking. It was for these reasons that Christ chose Galilee to begin His ministry. The area was an open door for people to spread the news that the Messiah had come and the Kingdom of Heaven was being ushered in.
Jesus returned to Capernaum after about twelve months of preaching throughout Galilee (Mark 1:39). When Jesus returned to this city, reports filled the streets that he was lodging in the home of his disciple named Peter. This reminds us that ministry is not confined to our centers of worship. I’m sure that citizens from every corner of the city and outlying areas flocked to this home.
This “get the word out” campaign shows the importance of spreading the word about Jesus. If we can spread the word about the best sales and discounts in our malls, surely we can tell somebody about the free gift of salvation. If we can spread the word about the some low down dog/tramp who broke our heart, surely we can tell somebody about a heart fixer. If we can spread the word about the best mind altering drugs, surely we can tell somebody about a mind regulator. If we can spread the word about someone who has torn us down, I know we can talk about somebody we can pick us up, turn us around and is the proverbial “rock” upon which we stand. I know we can spread the word about Jesus.
This marketing campaign was so successful, that the bible reports that crowds filled the home and spilled out in front. For, Where the king is, there is the court; where Shiloh is, there shall the gathering of the people be. You can imagine those who came. There was sister Cherry down front w/ her robe pulled up in an attempt to entice Jesus. There was Tyrone in the rear, who came to scope out the “righteous” sisters in attendance. There was brother Judas beside Jesus gladly pointing out the saints from the ain’ts. There was brother shoutin’ John who was irritating everybody b/c he kept exclaiming: “preach preacher” thus drowning the words of the Lord. There was sister Loosee sitting disinterested w/ her 5 children that were all disheveled in appearance and disruptive in behavior. There was brother Tiny, blocking the entrance w/ his bulk and breaking everyone’s concentration w/ his foul wind. There was drunk uncle Willie, who was anxiously waiting for Jesus to turn more water into wine. Can I get any help in here?
Finally, Luke tells us “there were Pharisees, and doctors of the law, sitting by” not sitting at his feet, to learn of him; for they sat by as persons unconcerned, as if the word of Christ were nothing to them. These Pharisees and scribes came out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem; they came from all parts of the nation. They probably appointed this time and place to meet. They sat by as spectators, or spies, to pick up something to make an accusation. They were in a confederacy, as those that said, Come, let us smite him with the tongue [making a charge against Jeremiah to the king], and let us not pay any attention to his words. Jer 18:18.
How many are there in the midst of our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, that do not sit under the word, but sit by! It is as if someone is reading a story to them, not a message that is sent to them; they allow us to preach before them, not that we should preach to them
No doubt some had come for ministry, that is, to have some need met or to be healed; but some had come out of curiosity. These curious onlookers blocked access to those who had come for ministry. They blocked access for those weary souls that were tired of their present existence. They blocked access for those teetering under the burden of sin. They blocked access to those souls wounded by the slights and slander of the self-righteous. They blocked access of the lame and disabled from the healing touch of Christ. They blocked access to that spiritual manna, the word of God, which gives life and sustains every soul. They blocked access to that fountain of living water that quenches the thirst, nourishes the body, and revives the spirit.
Even today, there is a “crowd” that is still blocking access to Jesus. This crowd is filled w/ church folks who gather in his house, but they won’t worship his name. They are like the curious who stood in and outside of this home, they have come to listen but not hear a word from Jesus. When visitors have to hear our grumbling, we are drowning to still small voice of Jesus. When we dress in inappropriate attire, we block the glory of the Lord. When we refuse to sing songs of Zion, we block others from hearing the goodness about Jesus. When we won’t forgive, we block others from seeing the Love of Jesus. When we refuse to testify of his goodness, we block others from hearing about his mercy. When we won’t repent, we block others from seeing his grace.
Jesus died and ascended back into heaven over 2 millennia ago. Therefore, if the world can’t “see” Jesus in us, how will they see him. If we have lost our savor, how will this backward and decaying world receive the word of God. Remember you and I are the “light of the world” and if we will not allow his glorious light to reflect in our lives…we too block others from seeing Jesus.
I revert back to the scripture and take note of the actions of Jesus. He still preached (God spoke). The preacher or teacher must continue on in his call and ministry. “To his own Master he standeth or falleth”. The Greek root of this word: laleo is indicative of god speaking to man to give revelation. God spoke to Adam and told him that the Savior would come from the seed of the woman. God spoke to Jacob and told him that the Savior would come through the tribe of Judah. He spoke to Moses in a great thundering voice in the midst of a storm. God spoke to David and told him that the Savior would be born of his house. He spoke to Samuel in a dream. He spoke to Elijah by a still small voice. He spoke to Isaiah in a vision.
Therefore, Hebrews 1 reminds us that “God Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds”. Before Christ, no man could fully grasp or understand God, and no man could fully proclaim the Word of God. Men could understand only a part or fragment of God. But now God’s very own Son has come to earth and revealed God, proclaiming all that God is. And note: it is He Himself who is the revelation of God. He embodies the Word of God. In fact, He is the Word of God. Everything that God ever wanted to say to man is said in the person of Jesus Christ. Remember, He did the main work of God: He proclaimed the Word of God to men who were lost eternally.
But a question enters my mind; what did Jesus say to those who were gathered around him on that day? Honestly, I don’t know. I was not there. Matthew nor the other Gospel writers left us a transcript of Jesus’ conversation in the house. However, judging from His earlier actions, we can glean a few things.
First, Jesus was prepared. Remember, this “house visit” takes place a short time after his 40-day sabbatical of fasting and prayer thru the Palestinian desert. It was there He got alone in order to be with God. He prayed; He thought; He meditated on the Scripture. And He planned. He prayed; He asked; He pleaded; He broke; He wept—He begged for strength and endurance to stand up under all that was to face Him in the upcoming years. The preparation went on for forty days and nights.
It was here that he received his “marching orders” from the Lord. Straightway, he called his disciples. He went to Cana and turned water to wine, symbolizing the ritual of the Law replaced by the reality of Grace. He Healed the nobleman’s son, showing us the gospel brings spiritual restoration. He spoke to Nicodemus, revealing only those born of God can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
The present day Saint must do what Jesus did. If we are going to be a useful instrument for God, we must spend quality time alone w/ God. It is there, communing w/ God in prayer, where he shares with us the direction he wants us to take in life. If we lack the wisdom to help others, we must ask of God who gives liberally to all. We must seek God continually for answers to the difficult questions or problems we struggle w/ in this life. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Remember, you are the kitchen; God is chef. If you don’t have any groceries (God’s word) within, he cant use you to prepare a meal for others.
Second, he preached or spoke what God gave Him. I recall his words in John 12:49 - For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father, which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Luke’s version of this story reveals that his words or “the power of God was available to heal. It was mighty to heal them; it was exerted and put forth to heal them, to heal those whom he taught, to heal their souls, to cure them of their spiritual diseases, and to give them a new life, a new nature. Note, Those who receive the word of Christ in faith will find a divine power going along with that word, to heal them; for Christ came with his grace to heal the broken-hearted, ch. 4:18. The power of the Lord is present with the word, present to those that pray for it and submit to it, present to heal them.
This is why his words are so important. For in them we have life or death. The words of men are often airy and empty. When weighed in the balance, they are as light as vanity and not be regarded; but what god speaks is firm. And those who will not let it sink into their hearts now, shall find it will one day sink them down to hell. John 12:48 - Those who reject me by not accepting what I say have a judge appointed for them. The words that I have spoken will judge them on the last day.
The word and gospel of Christ has a cleansing, purging and purifying virtue in it. John 15:3, you are clean through the word, which I have spoken unto you. The gospel and word of god disperses and scatters all the fogs and mists of darkness and error.
The gospel (words of Christ) excels the law in respect of the strength of the one and weakness of the other. Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
While the law wounds, it cannot heal; it shows a man he is dead; but it cannot give him life; it shows man he is naked, but it cannot clothe him. The gospel gives life, heals, clothes and comforts; the Law shows we are in prison, while the gospel brings us out, there is no salvation by the Law and there can’t be any without the gospel.
The word of god is a tried word. It has been tried by thousands of Christians and found to be pure gold; it never failed them that trusted it. Psalm 18:30 - God’s way is perfect! The promise of the Lord has proven to be true. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
That’s why I need His Word. For it guides men in the right way. When my mind is troubled, it tells me he will keep me in perfect peace. When my financial resources are low, it reminds me God shall supply my needs from his repository of riches and glory. When I think I can’t, it reminds me I can do all things. When people don’t understand, it reminds me god’s eyes are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their cry. When I have a set back, it tells me all things work together for my good. When I’m down, it reminds me to look up to the hills where my help comes from. When others forsake me, his word promises he will be there until the end of the age. Can I get any help in here?
Therefore, we see tonight that this text demonstrates that when Jesus is in the house lives can and will be transformed. If it’s in his will, not only will Jesus transform us physically, more importantly he will heal us spiritually. His power is available to heal all whenever there is occasion. Christ does not have to seek for his power; it is present to heal. He just needs to be in the house. Can I get any help in here?
It was in this house where Jesus cast the word of god (like a net) to catch or convert the souls of men. It was in the house where the paralytic was forgiven his sin and healed. It was in the house that Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-Law of a fever. It was in the house that Jairus’ daughter was raised from the dead. It was in the house that Jesus healed two blind men. It was in the house that Mary wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair. It was in the house that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. It was in the house that doubting Thomas became a believer. On Pentecost, it was in the house where God filled the hearts of his disciples w/ the power of the Holy Ghost. YES!!! Great things happen when Jesus is in the house. Can I get any help in here?
I stand and ask, Is Jesus in your house? Have you allowed Christ to setup shop to rest and rule. If you have not, he wants enter your house. Hear him: Rev. 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door (of your heart), and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. So why don’t you let him, let him in, hoist up your window, open up your door and let him come on in!!!
When Jesus is our house, fear is transformed into faith. When Jesus is in our house, the hunger of our soul is satisfied. When Jesus is in the house, darkness is overcome by god’s glorious light. When Jesus is in the house, we have peace that defies understanding. When Jesus is in the house, though we were dead we are given new life.
It was in the house of the Lord, where I gave the preacher my hand and the Lord my heart. When Jesus is in the house we can love better. When Jesus is in the house we can forgive better. When Jesus is in the house, we can be on one accord. When Jesus is in the house, souls can be saved. Great things will happen when Jesus is in the house.
