29 Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. 30 And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, 31 so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:29-31 (ESV)

On the road again

Now after spending some time on the coast, toward Tyre and Sidon, Jesus is back on the road again to the Sea of Galilee. How long he was in Tyre Matthew doesn’t say. He walked along the sea then went up on a hill and took a seat. 

Day in the life

Have you ever wondered what a “day in the life” of Jesus was like? To me, this passage represents it. He has just come from ministering to people, arrives in a place (possibly to rest) and flocks of people come to Him for healing. And He heals them all. It’s simply astounding. Take a moment and get quiet, close your eyes and ask the Spirit to illuminate your mind. Use your imagination to “see” this happening…and be in awe of our Lord!

Demon possession

Though not specifically mentioned by Matthew, in many other passages (c.f. Matthew 9:32-35) when Jesus is healing different diseases, He is also casting out demons. So I have to imagine that on this occasion He was also. As well, I imagine Jesus also was teaching as He healed. In his book, John records in 21:25, “But there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, I expect that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.”

Glorified the God of Israel

What stands out in this passage? “And they glorified the God of Israel.” What is our purpose in life? By following Jesus’ example we will accomplish it. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us to, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

RЯeflection

• Take time to wonder at the love, power, mercy, grace, judgment, glory, etc. of our Lord Jesus Christ. There’s blessing in just resting and dwelling on this.
• Is our life about glorifying God? Can you see evidence in your life? Do others tell you they see Jesus working in you? If not, re-evaluate your purpose in life. If so, you’re not likely to but still make sure not to become boastful and steal the glory from Him.