“Tell Me The Story of Jesus” — What About His Life?
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
Truly, the life lived by Jesus was unparalleled! Words fail to explain the incredible impact He made on our world.
He lived a perfect, sinless life which makes Him extremely unique (John 1:29; Rom. 3:23). While the Bible does not record much of His young life, The Word does give us ample evidence of His ministry years.
This week, we want to discuss the good that He did and the example that He set.
Jesus Went About Doing Good.
Luke records that God, “anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, Who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38).
The simple phrase, “Who went about doing good” sums up the work that Jesus did.
He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), bear witness of the truth (John 18:36), show the world the Father (John 14:8-9), and to offer the “abundant life” (John 10:10), just to name a few reasons.
What are some of the “good” things Jesus did in His life?
Jesus Helped People Physically.
First, we notice that He helped people physically.
“Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them” (Matt. 4:23-24).
Specifically:
He healed Peter’s mother-in-law who was sick with a fever (Matt. 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39).
Cleansed lepers from that dreaded, destructive disease (Matt. 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16).
Restored those who were paralyzed (Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-10; Luke 5:17-26).
Gave sight to the blind (John 9:1-11, 30-33).
Raised the dead (Matt. 9:23-26; Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:49-56; John 11:43)!
Jesus Helped People Emotionally.
Second, we learn that He helped people emotionally.
The demon possessed.
Demon possession was very prominent in the days when Jesus walked the earth. Those who were possessed were not only affected physically, but emotionally as they said and did things they normally never would. Jesus, by casting out demons, showed His power but also His compassion for those who were afflicted and tormented (Matt. 8:16).
The emotional trauma that the individuals experienced was also felt by their family members.
Jesus not only healed adults, but children who were demon possessed. Can you imagine the relief parents and siblings must have felt when their son, daughter, brother, or sister was restored?
The lonely and oppressed.
He also helped those who were lonely and mistreated.
A woman who had been humiliated and thrown down in the presence of Jesus was protected comforted, but also encouraged by the Lord:
“When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:10-11).
The grieving.
Furthermore, Jesus helped those who were grieving the loss of a loved one.
Jesus hurt when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35), but was able to help Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, by comforting them with words and, of course, by raising their brother from the dead!
Jesus was so sympathetic and selfless that He always did what was best no matter the situation.
Jesus Helped People Spiritually.
Third, finally, and most importantly, Jesus did good by helping people spiritually.
He emphasized the spiritual over the physical. While it was important that He fed the five thousand hungry men, women, and children physically, it was even more important that He fed them spiritually.
The greatest need of man is salvation from sin, and only Jesus can provide the solution (Acts 4:12).
He helped people to see the truth by proclaiming it and living it. He spoke the truth with authority and love. He imparted deep, heavenly truths in a manner in which the common people heard gladly and understood (Mark 12:37).
Ultimately, He did the most good by willingly giving His life for the sin of the world (John 1:29).
It is challenging to write about the greatest life ever lived in a few short words. I do hope and pray that this series of articles will be helpful in causing us to meditate on the “story” of Jesus.
Next week, we will continue to discuss His life with an emphasis on His demeanor and disposition.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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