When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!”
Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.
Key Thought
One of the things I love so much about Jesus is that his miracles were not about him or for him. He cared about the people he healed. He took care of their dignity as well as their physical ailment. Jesus healed the boy before the crowd of onlookers grew too large. When the boy was healed, he took him by the hand and helped him up. The miracle wasn’t about Jesus dazzling the crowds with his power. No, the miracle was about the love and care of God being shown.
Today’s Prayer
O Father in heaven, help me treat with dignity and grace all those you give me the privilege to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Mark 5:35-43John 9:1-3Mark 1:40-41Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.