1. In these verses we read about Jesus and 2 groups of people. a. As we pointed out this morning, Jesus is the Great Physician. b. One group of people consisted of publicans and sinners -- these people realized they were sick and wanted to be near the Great Physician. c. The other group consisted of scribes and Pharisees -- they did not see themselves as being sick, and they had no use for the Great Physician. 2. Before Jesus can heal us spiritually we must realize that we are sick and need His healing (Romans 3:23; 6:23). 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on "3 lessons from the Great Physician." a. These lessons relate to physical health care. b. They also relate to our spiritual welfare. Introduction: I. FIRST, HAVING CLEAN HANDS IS ESSENTIAL
A. From the field of health care, having clean hands is essential for preventing the spread of viruses, diseases, and infections. 1. Doctors and nurses wash their hands and wear gloves and masks. 2. This helps them to avoid getting germs and spreading germs. 3. We understand the importance of washing hands and wearing masks. B. Spiritually, having clean hands is essential for being in good standing with God. 1. This point is made in Psalm 24:3-5. 2. The Bible often uses a person's hands to describe his spiritual condition. a. (Acts 2:23) The people who crucified Jesus did so with "wicked hands." b. (1 Timothy 2:8) Men are to pray, "lifting up holy hands." 3. The good news is that our hands can be cleansed (James 4:8-10). 4. The cleansing agent is the Lord's precious blood (1 John 1:7, 9). C. Having clean hands is essential. II. SECOND, FOLLOWING THE DOCTOR'S ORDERS IS ESSENTIAL
A. From the field of health care, a medical doctor uses his training to prescribe medicines and treatments, including surgery. 1. A qualified and reputable doctor is concerned with healing his patients. 2. We have to follow his orders for our health to improve. B. Spiritually, Jesus is "the Great Physician," and we must follow His orders. 1. He invites us to come to Him for healing (Matthew 11:28-30). 2. We must comply with His instructions (Hebrews 5:9; John 2:5). C. Following the doctor's orders is essential. III. THIRD, AVOIDING A FALL IS ESSENTIAL
A. From the field of health care, great care is given to help patients avoid falling. 1. Patients with joint replacements must have assistance to avoid falls. 2. If a patient falls, his problem will probably be made worse. B. Spiritually, God's people must exercise care to avoid falling. 1. A strong warning is given in 1 Corinthians 10:12. 2. The Lord can prevent us from falling (Jude 24). 3. The Bible shows us how to avoid falling in 2 Peter 1:5-11. C. Avoiding a fall is essential. Conclusion:
1. We have examined "3 lessons from the Great Physician." 2. May we always strive to keep our hands clean, to follow the Doctor's orders, and to avoid falling!