Jesus Loves PEOPLE

Jesus loves all kinds of people. Just look at all the people in Mark 5:

• Possessed People (v. 2)
• Fearful People (v.15)
• Pleading, Negative People (v. 17)
• Pleading, Positive People (v. 18, 22-23)
• Obedient People (v.20)
• Amazed People (v. 20)
• Submissive People (v. 22, v. 33)
• Pressing People (v.24)
• Suffering People (v.26)
• Free People (v.20,29,42)
• Faithful People (v.34)
• Fake People (v.38)
• Mocking People (v.31,40)
• Astonished People (v.42)

Let’s focus on submissive people and suffering people. In verse 22, a synagogue ruler named Jarius knelt before Jesus to make a request. Why? He was powerful and important, why kneel before Jesus? What wasn’t under this ruler’s control? What did he acknowledge by

• coming
• kneeling
• asking

Was the ruler’s child sick or dead? What would he accomplish in coming to Jesus if the child was dead? Jesus ignored the circus going on around him and focused on the person, Jarius, and said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Jarius did and his child was healed.

Suffering People (verse 25-29) Why did the woman touch Jesus? What was her problem? Who was in control? Why not just go bug the doctor some more?

In both instances, Jarius and the bleeding woman acknowledged Jesus had all authority and power. They had faith. They came in full surrender to Jesus. Do we? Do we trust our life physically, emotionally, and spiritually to Jesus? Do we look to doctors, books, psychologists, psychiatrists, and the world more than we look to Jesus? Do we even come in full surrender to God asking Him by faith for direction, for healing, for life abundant?

Jesus says it all when he says, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

When was the last time you were so desperate for the touch of God in your life? Did you push through the hindrances and distractions to fall before Jesus and cry out for His touch? Did you feel Him whisper, “Take heart, Daughter.” Such tender words. We are His daughters. He is personal and more than willing to get involved in messy lives. Bleeding 12 years is messy. What have you held back from Jesus embarrassed or afraid it is too messy? When we surrender our mess to Him, he begins healing us. Whether it is sin, sickness, or suffering, Jesus wants to hold us and let us hear, “Take heart, daughter.” Our part is faith-we must give up control and “by faith” trust Jesus.

How about those who have been touched by Jesus, but are too afraid to get in anyone else’s messy life. What if God is calling you to be Jesus to someone with a messy life? Can you refuse His call and harden your heart? Do you say, “It will hurt too much to get messy with them?” Trust the hurt to God and let Him show you the blessing that comes from being his instrument of healing in a messy life. Why? Jesus teaches us that investing in people matters.

Who are the people in your life? You might have people that fall in every category at the top of the page. How does God want to use you to pour Jesus into their lives? Ask God to show you people through His eyes this week. When you see them as He does, take action where he sends you.

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