Those Who Are Sick Need a Physician (Matthew 9:10-13)
Introduction:
1. Jesus had just called Matthew to follow Him (vs.9). 2. Matthew prepared a feast at his home and invited Jesus, His disciples, and many publicans and sinners. 3. The Pharisees complained that Jesus was eating with publicans and sinners. 4. In His response Jesus indicated that "those who are sick need a physician." 5. In our lesson we are concentrating on 3 practical matters from the medical field that have important spiritual applications.
Introduction:
I. FIRST, LET US CONSIDER HAVING CLEAN HANDS
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, use sanitizers, and wear gloves. 2. This helps them to avoid getting germs and spreading germs. 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, LET US CONSIDER FOLLOWING THE DOCTOR'S ORDERS
A. From the field of health care, a medical doctor uses his training to prescribe medicines and treatments. 1. A qualified and reputable doctor is concerned with healing his patients. 2. We have to follow the doctor's 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). C. Following the doctor's orders is essential.
III. THIRD, LET US CONSIDER AVOIDING PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
A. From the field of health care, people with contagious diseases must be avoided. 1. We are hearing about people with coronavirus being quarantined. 2. The purpose for quarantining is to stop the spread of illnesses. B. Spiritually, the Lord's followers are to guard against evil influence and avoid it. 1. 1 Corinthians 5:11; 15:33 2. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 C. Avoiding evil influence is essential.
Conclusion:
1. We began by showing how "those who are sick need a physician." 2. We have considered 3 matters from the medical field that have spiritual applications. 3. May we always strive to keep our hands clean, to follow the Doctor's orders, and to avoid evil influence!
