Pain.

"So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them."

(Matthew 4:24)

Pain. It's an unfortunate part of life. When we're younger, it's usually the result of accidents or pushing the limits while exploring/testing/being adventurous. In the middle years, it usually comes from accidents and our bodies starting to slow down. As we age, pain becomes more and more of a daily reality. Sometimes it can be treated... sometimes it can't. More than one senior in my churches over the years have told me, 'If you can avoid it, Pastor Jim, don't grow old. It's not for wimps!'

Whenever I read about Jesus healing people, I seemed to only remember the extreme cases: major illnesses, birth defects, dreaded diseases, bodily misfunctions, etc. (even death!). But today as I was going through Matthew 4, I noticed the word "pain" for the first time. Jesus cured those affected with various pains. If you were to create a scale of severity of conditions, the simple word, 'pain,' might not score too highly compared to others... and yet, to those dealing with daily pain, it can be quite debilitating. My wife will often tell me of the pain in her feet, hips, jaw, head, shoulders, etc. I try to massage them... but it still comes back.

What a gift for Jesus to cure the everyday pains of people. Wholeness = freedom (and joy!). I hope those who were cured became fans/followers/supporters of Jesus following that. I hope I would, too... as Jesus cures my ailments and pains. But even more, I pray that ALL who have daily pain might come to know the healing touch of Jesus. AMEN.