06.14.2026 | Jesus Heals in Capernaum & Galilee
Mark 1:21-45 and Luke 4:31-44; 5:12-16
In 2019, Simone Biles made headlines as the first gymnast to perform a "double-double dismount" off the balance beam. This move included two flips and two twists! The crowd went wild when she landed it perfectly because it was a move they'd never seen before!
As Jesus performed miracle after miracle in Capernaum, the people were amazed at the power, authority, and compassion that was unlike anything they'd ever seen before. Jesus' miracles showed that He cared deeply for hurting people and that His power came directly from God.
In a similar way, the cross was the ultimate display of Jesus' power and compassion. It was there that Jesus paid the greatest price for those who were lost and hurting. And it was there that He purchased salvation for anyone who believes in Him. Just as the people were healed when they trusted in Jesus' power, we receive forgiveness and new life when we believe in Jesus' power to save us from the consequences of our sin.
Jesus has all authority and power to heal the sick and save sinners. Anyone who repents and trusts in Him will be forgiven of sin and can look forward to the new heaven and earth where sin, death, and sickness will no longer exist.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. In fact, if you stretched out all your skin, it could cover about 20 square feet. That's as big as a picnic blanket! Your skin protects you from germs, helps control your body temperature, and even lets you feel things like a hug, a tickle, or the warm sun.
But what if your skin hurt all the time, or if you had a disease that made other people not want to be around you? That would be a very sad thing, but that's what it was like for people in Jesus' day who had a serious skin disease called leprosy. People with leprosy weren't allowed to live with their families, didn't have many friends, and probably felt very lonely.
That's why Jesus' miracle in Galilee was so amazing! Instead of ignoring or avoiding a man with leprosy, Jesus touched the man and healed him. What a picture of not only Jesus' power, but also His compassion toward people.
By healing the man's skin, Jesus gave him back his life, his family, and his joy. Jesus is still able to heal and restore the sickness and brokenness we experience because of sin. When we trust in Him, we receive new life, are welcomed into His family, and get to live with eternal joy.
Jesus was willing to heal the man's skin and make him clean. Jesus is also willing to save those who humble themselves, repent of their sin, and trust in Him.
