Morning
“Henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
When driven from one city Jesus displayed his healing power in another. Ingratitude could not make him cease to bless mankind.
John 4:46-54
John 4:46 , John 4:47
It is a rare sight to see the great ones of the earth coming to Jesus; but they must come as well as the poorest, if they would be blest.
John 4:48 , John 4:49
In his vehement desire he took the rebuke in silence, and then cried out again for mercy.
John 4:50 , John 4:51
Faith and the cure were wrought at the same moment. From Cana to Capernaum, like a flash of lightning, the power to heal travelled the moment that the father believed.
John 4:54
The first dealt with marriage, and the second with children. Jesus is the true “Family Friend.” Parents, believingly go to him for your children! He waits to answer you.
Luke 5:1-11
We now turn to another event which happened about this time.
John 5:5
Whatever may have happened, it is ours to obey, and in obeying we shall meet with a reward.
John 5:8
He felt that he was not fit for such holy company, and expressed the feeling in all simplicity. He was always outspoken.
John 5:9-11
And wonderful man-catchers they became, taking whole nations in their gospel nets. The Lord help all his spiritual fishermen to cast the net on the right side of the ship.
O Lord our God, thy servants bless,
And crown their labours with success;
For they will cast the net in vain
If thou the Spirit dost restrain.
But if thou guide their willing hand,
Obedient to thy wise command,
Then will they bring the sons of men
Back to their Lord and God again.
Evening
“He went about doing good.”
Mark 1:21-39
Mark 1:23-25
Christ would not have praise from the devil, it has an ill savour about it.
Mark 1:26-30
Luke says it was “a great fever,” so that she was too ill to speak for herself. We must tell Jesus of those who do not plead for themselves.
Mark 1:31
Usually a person healed of fever is long in recovering strength, but our Lord’s cures are perfect as well as immediate. Those whom the Lord heals spiritually are sure to be grateful, they minister both to him and to his people. If he serves us, it is but meet that we should serve him.
Mark 1:35
He had much work before him, and therefore desired much communion with God. Press of business should not excuse us from prayer, but rather urge us to have more of it.
Mark 1:36 , Mark 1:37
Simon was always too forward. We shall often meet with interruptions in prayer, even from well-meaning men; therefore let us, like Jesus, get alone and choose early hours.
Mark 1:38 , Mark 1:39
He did not stay to receive honour for his wonderful miracles, but posted on to other fields of labour. Let us also press forward, for we have much to do, and but one short life to do it in.
Matthew 4:23-25
Matthew 4:23
What a blessed mixture, “preaching and healing”! Now-a-days we have them both spiritually in the gospel. He who preaches Jesus is a healer, for that sacred name is medicine.
Matthew 4:24
What a list of maladies, and how sweet the footnote, “and he healed them”!
Matthew 4:25
Well might they do so, since he scattered such priceless boons. Let us follow him in a higher sense, for none are sick in soul who abide in fellowship with him. Walk with “the beloved physician,” and thou shalt no more say “I am sick.”