Neighbor Groups: Restore Well-BeingPrzykład

The Miraculous and the Mundane Throughout His ministry, Jesus heals and serves those around Him—especially people society considered as “less than.” He took special notice and care of the marginalized, the outcasts, and the hurting. He cast out demons. He cured leprosy. He brought sight to the blind. He raised the dead to life. And in all of it, Jesus cared about the entire well-being of the person—both the miraculous and the mundane. In Mark 5, Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus’ dying daughter when a crowd began to gather around Him. One of the crowd members was a woman who had been bleeding for more than 12 years. She had sought healing and help from doctors, but anything they tried had only made the bleeding worse. Knowing Jesus was passing through, she joined the crowd—filled with people who wanted to keep as much distance from her as possible. And in a single moment, she reached out, touched the hem of Jesus’ robe, and was instantly healed. Immediately, Jesus stopped walking. On His way to heal a dying girl, He stopped to address the marginalized. He called her out, met her with love, and healed her not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. It was miraculous. As Jesus continued to Jairus’ house, people came running, letting Him know that the little girl had died. Still, Jesus pressed on. When He arrived, He raised her back to life. As she began walking around, He told those around her to give her something to eat. He did the miraculous. Then, He cared about the mundane. Similarly, we’re called to care for both needs as well. We pray for miracles for those who need healing, and we step in to meet needs that may seem mundane. Let’s look back at the man from the Gerasene region. The first thing Jesus asked him was his name. While the man wasn’t able to answer because of the darkness he was carrying, Jesus recognized the man’s humanity. As we walk with our neighbors toward healthier well-being, we may be tempted to meet the immediate and visible needs we see—giving a few dollars to the man at the corner or serving food at your local mission. And while those are critical and necessary acts of service, asking for someone’s name may bring more healing, more compassion, and more Jesus to those situations. So consider ways in which you can be a part of both miraculous and mundane solutions. And when you do, don’t just focus on someone’s current circumstances. Focus on who they are. Pray: Heavenly Father, You are good in every way. Remind me that the things I see as delays might be opportunities for You to work in miraculous ways. Thank You for caring about the miraculous and the mundane. Help me do the same. Give me eyes to see beyond outward appearances the way You do. In Jesus’ name, amen. Challenge: How have you seen Jesus work in the miraculous and the mundane in your life? Spend time thanking God for those things.