Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Luke 5:23-25
“The healing was immediate and the people glorified God. But even more than receiving healing, the man experienced forgiveness and the start of a whole new life. Our Lord’s miracles not only demonstrated His deity and His compassion for needy people, but they also revealed important spiritual lessons about salvation. They were “object lessons” to teach spiritually blind people what God could do for them if only they would believe in His Son.”
Warren Wiersbe in Be Compassionate (Luke 1-13): Let The World Know That Jesus Cares (TBSC; Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2010) 65.
When Jesus walked the earth and healed people, the healings had a purpose: “to teach spiritually blind people what God could do for them if only they would believe in His Son.” In that light they were “object lessons” filled with generosity and compassion.
Don’t you love teachers who use object lessons? They point to something you see and understand to instruct you regarding deeper spiritual realities you cannot fathom. Jesus used everything from birds and flowers to help people connect with important ideas. He taught with object lessons.
That’s what we are when we live generously during a plague. We are object lessons. What spiritual realities do people connect to your life? Is there anything missing that you want them to see? While many are sick or suffering for a variety of reasons, when we minister care and give generously we show what God has done for us who believe and how He too can transform their lives.
Father, fill us with your Spirit to exhibit your kindness and compassion, your generosity and grace to all those around us so they see you through our living, giving, serving, and loving. In your mercy, hear my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.