Compassion

As I was reading in Matthew today, I learned a bit more about Jesus love and compassion for us. He healed many people...those who were physically affected with disease, sickness or demon possession. One story in particular stands out to me...

 John the Baptist "prepared the way" for Jesus. He preached the good news to many people and baptized them in Jesus name. John even baptized Jesus! In Matthew 14, John the Baptist was beheaded after Herod had to follow thru with an oath promised to his niece. After John was killed in prison, his disciples told Jesus what had happened. Then Jesus went to a solitary place to be alone; most likely to mourn for his friend, grieve his loss and draw strength from God through prayer. But Jesus was not alone. When the towns people learned where Jesus was, they followed him. It says in verse 14 that he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Even though Jesus was grieving the loss of John, He selflessly gave of himself for the sake of others. He understood that the crowd needed Him...and instead of turning them away, He had compassion on them and took care of their needs. We serve a loving, merciful God; my prayer is that we learn through these examples and strive to become more like Him.

With Love,
Stefanie

The Un-Named, Faith-Filled Woman

After hearing a convicting message at Women of Faith, I read this beautiful story last night in Matthew chapter 9:20-22...Only 2 verses, but so powerful!
This un-named woman had been sick for 12 years, being "subject to bleeding"...under the old law, she was looked at as being an outcast...unclean and insignificant...I could not imagine feeling an emptiness like this for so long! As Jesus was walking to a ruler's home, this woman was nearby. She had GREAT faith and thought "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed". This woman, most likely, had not been physically touched for 12 years. As she reached and touched Jesus cloak, he turned to her and addressed her as "daughter". Scripture says, she was healed "from that moment". How wonderful this woman must have felt to be instantly healed from a sickness that had affected her physically and emotionally for so long! And to have Jesus, the Son of God, address her as daughter! I wish I knew what happened after that; I wonder if she embraced Jesus and felt the physical touch of her Savior and Healer! One day, I hope to talk to this faith-filled woman and hear the story from her perspective! Thank you Jesus for giving us many examples of your compassion and love for us!

Blessings & Love,
Stefanie