John 4:46-5:18
Does it ever make sense to put the cart before the horse? The story of healing at Bethesda caught my attention. Jesus met two needs, but did you notice the sequence of those events--physical first, then spiritual?
Jesus came to seek and save the lost, right? So why would Jesus address the physical need first? Tami W.
So many times in minsitry the physical preceeds the spiritual. Meeting the needs of others so beautifully sets the stage for the presentation of the gospel. When people know that you care about them, that you are not trying to sell something, they will listen.
I think that sometimes it takes a physical transformation for a lost person to feel a connection with God. This allows their spirit to be filled with belief in Jesus as the savior. After physical healing, the people saw with their own eyes what good things Jesus was doing, understood, and were forever changed spiritually.
Hi Tami :)
Just so ya know, I haven't died or anything, but have been busy. I think Jesus is just merciful, he didn't have to meet the physical need, but He did. That's because He Rocks as God! :)
I definitely agree with what everyone else has said. It's cool that Jesus doesn't put all the focus on the "spiritual" act of dealing with this man's sin, but instead, he sees the physical need as being just as important. He doesn't say, "let me help you with your sin, and THEN I'll think about healing you."
It's tempting at times to classify our lives into spiritual parts and unspiritual parts. And that affects how we approach outreach. Although never said aloud, I've gotten the feeling that maybe some Christians think...we shouldn't waste time serving and loving others, we need to do the important, spiritual stuff (sharing the Gospel, praying, etc.).
But Jesus cares about our physical, emotional and spiritual needs and values the connection of the three. Loving on people and showing Christ in tangible ways is most certainly a spiritual act. Hopefully we'll gladly and quickly meet needs just like Jesus did.
Wonderful comments. I enjoyed reading them. One other thought came to my mind. We are a "trinity" three part being as well - body, soul and spirit. I believe God ministers to all three parts.