How Do We Show Love?

 N.T.#502 "How Do We Show Love?"

March 7, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Have you seen a ministry continue beyond its time? After a tornado ripped through a neighboring town last fall, a local church opened their doors to feed those effected. The provided warm meals, took in items to meet the people's needs, and shared the love of Jesus. This continued many months. Our church helped them with meals and collected needed items. What a way to show people the Lord Jesus loves them.

We left Jesus in Capernaum in the synagogue where He delivered a man from a demon. The people wondered by what authority and power this happened. They hadn't seen anything like it before. 

Next, we read about Jesus going to Simon Peter's house. Before this took place, Jesus had called His 12 disciples/apostles. Matthew 4 tells us about it, the only place mentioned in the Gospels. What do we know about the situation?

• At Simon's house lived his brother Andrew, the fishermen, his wife and mother-in-law. 
• At this time James and John were with Jesus, as well as Simon and Andrew. (verse 29)
•  Simon's mother-in law was sick in bed with a high fever. they told Jesus about her right away. 
• After seeing Jesus heal the demon possessed man, Simon probably figured Jesus could heal her. Any way, they besought (asked; requested) Him for her. (verse 38)
• Then Jesus stood over the sick woman, rebuked the fever, and it left her. (verse 39a)
• Immediately she arose and ministered (wait upon; a host) unto them. (verse 39b)

The woman must have recovered strength, too. She got up and waited upon her guests. (Maybe she fixed them supper.)

Luke shows us that Jesus possesses authority over personified evil (demons) and the problem of evil (human suffering), and that both submit to His word. (Swindoll)

Do we seek Jesus' healing power when we have problems? He has not changed. Jesus is still all-powerful. 

LET IT GROW

In verse 40, we read that Jesus healed folks into the night. There may have been hundreds. Christ didn't turn them away because He was tired. He had compassion on them.

Swindoll says that Jesus' ministry boils down to 4 fundamentals:

1. Teaching truth (verses 31-32)
2. Confronting evil (verses 33-37,41)
3. Demonstrating compassion (verses 38-400
4. Renewing one's strength. (verses 42-44)

Are we teaching the Word of Truth? There is no other way to heaven but through faith in Jesus Christ. Do we stand strong against evil with Jesus? 

There is so much suffering around us caused by poverty, illness, crime, ignorance, or natural disasters. All we need to do is go there and ask, "How can I help you?" 

Be sure to schedule some down time. Ministering can be exhausting. Take a break before it breaks you.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go so we can effectively minister to those in need?

Help us love others abundantly, to love You Jesus with extravagant love.

To You be the glory forever.