“He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon,18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured,19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.” Luke 6.17-19
Large crowds. Great power. Overwhelming enthusiasm. Serious healings. This is what was happening that day in Galilee. Jesus was giving the people what they wanted. They heard his preaching, and many received healing from their diseases.
From a human point of view, this was the best the Messiah had to offer: benefits with no sacrifice. He healed, he preached, he encouraged, he listened. But there would come a time when the crowds would fade away and Jesus would hang alone upon a cross for the sins of all people.
Right now he was like a spiritual vending machine—whatever they wanted, whatever they needed, God was providing.
And it was his plan to heal, to save, to redeem humanity. Jesus healed many bodies, but it was the soul that he was primarily concerned with. The body would die and pass away; the soul would remain forever, either with the Lord or separated for all eternity. And these old bodies, broken and sick, would fade, and we would be granted a new body, a new hope, and a new life in Christ.
And yet, we put much more focus on this temporary body than on the soul. One day, all our bodies will fail. We will die, and those who have put their faith in Jesus will rise again with him. Perhaps the soul needs a little more attention than working on perfecting this imperfect temple. Jesus came to give us life, but not everlasting life on earth in these earth suits. He came so we might have hope while on earth, but eternity with him in heaven.
Have you placed your trust in Christ? Are you so concerned with the fitness, health, look, or shape of your earthly body that you have neglected your eternal soul? Enrich that today through prayer, Bible reading, worship, and love for God. Allow the one who created the whole of you to nurture that part we tend to neglect the most.
“O Lord God, you are a good God and amazing Creator. You have knit it together and made us in your image—body, mind, and soul. Help us live like we are aiming for eternity. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. Come, Holy Spirit, fill this temple with your grace. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.