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Where do you run in times of need? 

After spending some time in prayer, Jesus walked down the mountain to find a crowd of people in need. The first century people had incredible pains, illnesses, and problems. Modern medicines didn’t exist. Healthy drinking water was hard to come by. Refrigeration for food was unavailable. On top of that, many people in power were ungraceful and ruled unjustly over the common person. Physical pain, mental distress, and spiritual strain abounded. 

In Luke 6:17-19 we read a small passage of Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus entered a town or region the people rushed to Him. 

Why did people come to Jesus? 

Some were skeptics. The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record how the religious leaders approached Jesus numerous times to trap Jesus and invalidate His ministry and teaching. 

Some were curious. Word spread quickly about the man from Galilee who was healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching with authority. Some people were drawn to the buzz surrounding Jesus and wanted to get a glimpse of what their friends and family were talking about. 

Some were in need. There were others who approached Jesus because they were in need. They needed a physical ailment to be healed. They brought their children who were suffering from spiritual oppression. They brought theological questions to better understand the ways of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. They brought their brokenness in hopes of being made whole. 

How we approach Jesus matters. In Luke 6:18-19 we read that there was a group of people with holy anticipation approaching Jesus – hoping that He was the one who could finally help them. These people came to Jesus to hear him and to be healed by him.  

I imagine that some of these people went to doctors, family members, co-workers, and religious leaders looking for healing before they approached Jesus. It turns out that Jesus was the source of their healing – they needed to take their need to him. 

Our Hope. Our Healer. 

Jesus is our healer. 

Jesus is our hope. 

Does this passage run counter to seeking medical advice, talking with counselors, or visiting financial advisors? Not at all. There are incredibly talented people that God has gifted that can perform surgeries or work some spreadsheet wonders with finances. Seek wisdom from other people when you are facing an issue. It takes multiple people to carry heavy things. 

The larger question is a matter of reliance upon God. Do you run to Him first, in prayer, with the problems and needs in your life or do you run to someone else first? If you don’t run to Jesus for wisdom, comfort, and prayers for healing first then you are in jeopardy of feeling the weight of finding a fix to the brokenness. 

Jesus might not answer every prayer with a “yes” on your time frame but we must present every concern and celebration to God. 

Jesus isn’t burdened when you bring him your burdens.

Jesus isn’t bothered by you when you bring him what bothers you. 

He wants you to bring him the things that are bringing you down.

You can come to Jesus in every situation.

Come to Jesus to hear wisdom and authority. 

Come to Jesus to receive spiritual healing. 

Apply: 

• Where do you turn when life hits you? 
  • When an unfavorable diagnosis is made? 
  • When an uncontrollable situation causes financial stress?
• What problem are you facing today? 

Respond: 

Spend a few minutes telling God that you need Him and presenting your need to Him. 

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The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries.