There are two things we all have in common.
First, we all have problems. Sometimes it seems like we have a lot of little problems. Other times it seems like one big problem. Our problems are all different – health, family, financial, employment, personal, emotional, spiritual… and the list goes on and on. Just sit in a room with a few other people who are willing to be honest and you will discover many problems.
Second, Jesus can solve all our problems. It does not matter what your problem is, Jesus has an answer. Sometimes He solves it miraculously. Other times it takes a long time (from our perspective) for an answer. And sometimes the problem is not solved in this lifetime. But 100 years from now every Christian will have their problems solved in Heaven.
During Jesus’ lifetime many people came to Him with their problems. And for many, He solved them.
And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. (Mark 1:32-34)
This is a wonderful account if you are one of the ‘many’ who brought the physically and spiritually sick to Jesus and He healed them. But did you notice the wording above… they brought ‘all‘ (used twice) but He healed ‘many‘ (also used twice). Why didn’t Jesus heal ‘all‘? Good question. I won’t be able to give you every ‘why’ but I have discovered three answers to ‘Why don’t some people receive the healing power of Jesus?’
Tradition/Religion can limit some to the healing of Jesus.
Earlier in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus performed two miracles on the Sabbath – one public in the synagogue and one private in Peter’s home. The above Scripture is the same day – the Sabbath. Though I am sure many wanted a miracle, they waited until evening because the religious tradition forbid the carrying of any burden through town on the Sabbath.
Sometimes religion gets in the way. The needs were immediate – sickness & demon possession. Jesus had already shown He can heal both. But the influence of the religious leaders kept them away from the healing power of Jesus.
I have met people when asked about their relationship with Jesus, have answered ‘I’m Catholic’ or ‘I’m Baptist’ or another church group. The answer to your problems is not your church, it is Jesus.
Is your religion keeping people away from Jesus?
Limitations/Restrictions can neglect some to the healing of Christ.
The passage tells us that they brought “all” to Jesus and that “the city” was gathered at the door. Everybody was there. No one was left out.
The conditions were overwhelming. There were many who were ill – physically & spiritually. No one else was able to help them. So they were ‘all’ carried or brought to Jesus because He was the only one who could and did.
People have problems: spiritual, physical, financial, emotional, relational, etc. There is not a problem that anybody has that Jesus cannot help them with. But if they aren’t brought to Jesus, even He can’t help them.
Sometimes we limit the power of Jesus in people’s lives because we leave someone out. When you talk with people and they share with you their ‘problems’, invite them to your church to hear about Jesus or talk to them yourself. Leave no one out.
Is there someone you know with problems you need to bring to Jesus?
Talking/Redirections can distract some to the healing of Christ.
Jesus commanded the demons to be quiet. Ironically, earlier in the synagogue, the demon spoke the truth. He claimed Jesus was the “Holy One of God” and the judge of sin. But Jesus commanded him not to speak. Why? Maybe to demonstrate His authority and power over the demon. Maybe so people would believe who He was because of what He said, not a demon. Maybe He wanted to reveal His identity according to His timetable.
This incident gives us a clue when dealing with someone who gets angry about Jesus or ‘religious talk.’ Be quiet and pray. Sometimes continuing to talk will distract people away from their decision for Jesus Christ, even if the discussion is about Jesus Christ. Too many Christians want to convince people or argue people into the kingdom. Once you have brought someone to an encounter with Jesus, shut up. Let Him do the rest of the work.
Is there someone you have brought to Jesus that you need to shut up and pray for them?
I notice three kinds of people in this story: (1) Those who need help; (2) Those who brought their friends who needed help and (3) Those who merely watched. Which are you?
What is the biggest problem people face today that can be helped by Jesus?