24 Jesus Christ Maketh Thee Whole

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Hymns: RHC 117 In Tenderness He Sought Me 383 Make Me a Channel of Blessing 125 Jesus is the Joy of Living

Acts 9:32-43

32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named AEneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34And Peter said unto him, AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Jesus Christ Maketh Thee Whole

OUTLINE

  • The Continuing Work of Evangelism 
  • The Continuing Fruit of Evangelism

INTRODUCTION 

Jesus Christ Maketh Thee Whole – Acts 9:32-43. While Jesus was on earth, during the 3 ½ years of His public ministry, He went about all the cities and villages in Israel, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. The scope of Jesus’ coverage was comprehensive. He covered the grounds, left no corner of cites and villages not evangelized. It is demanding physically speaking. Jesus set for us the example, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:15b cf. Isa. 52:7).

The principal activities were preaching and praying. He was spreading the good news of the gospel. He preached the word to all who were willing to listen. To preach is to make a public announcement, to make a proclamation, to evanglise, to announce the good news. He tells them the good news, the way to the heavenly kingdom of God. What great need He is proclaiming for the people. What an outreach, God coming in Person! Never before!

Jesus also taught. He showed to them the true sense of the laws of God. How do we live our lives in the light of God’s Word that will bring God’s blessings! 

He also healed the sick. These mighty works authenticated Jesus’ credentials as God. He was among the people. We can see with our mind’s eye through the Scriptures the picture of weariness and toil in the work of the gospel. It required physical, mental and spiritual endurance. Our Lord demonstrated to us this commitment by His excellent example for our emulation.

It was hard work. It was heart work (a work constrained by God’s love). It was Holy Spirit-led work.

You see the string of ceaseless activities that our Lord was doing. It is truly an encouragement and great privilege for us to be a part of this good work. 

Before His ascension, He entrusted to His disciples and after the apostles, the church is entrusted this work of evangelism. 

Jesus promised His disciples in John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. Again, in John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 1:8-9 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

At Pentecost, there was a great movement of the Holy Spirit where souls are saved when God’s word is preached. Those who were saved were gathered together where they are painstakingly nurtured to spiritual maturity. 

We saw the mighty power of God to save, we also saw the great opposition to the advancement of God’s kingdom. The disciples were scattered as they had to flee Jerusalem, going everywhere as the Holy Spirit led them, preaching the gospel. But, we see the church triumphant in fulfilling God’s will to save the people in the nations even unto the end of the world.

One of the greatest persecutor of the church, Saul of Tarsus was converted. 

With the chief persecutor converted, Acts 9:31 tells us “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”

The scene is now focus upon Peter. This man who followed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, saw all the miracles, personally trained by Jesus, now walking in the steps of His Master, preaching the gospel, healing the sick, confirming the faith of the believers, we saw him travelling to Samaria supporting the work of Philip, one of the seven deacons of the which, now an evangelist, a missionary sharing the gospel in chapter 8 to the eunuch from Ethiopia.

Now we see Peter moving to the West coast where is the Mediterranean Sea toward the north to the place called Lydda, near the place called Joppa, the seaport where Jonah boarded a boat to flee from the mission God had called him to (Jonah 1:3) the people of Nineveh.

This is the modern city of Tel Aviv, the capital of modern Israel. This place became a site for the spread of Christianity, where Peter is used by God to heal a paralytic man and to also raise a woman from the dead.

  • The Continuing Work of Evangelism 
  • The Continuing Fruit of Evangelism

(1) The Continuing Work of Evangelism

32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron…

Lydda, known as Lod in the Old Testament, was located 18 kilometres southeast of Joppa (Tel Aviv). The main road from Jerusalem to Joppa passed through this city. Lydda was the chief city over one of the 11 districts into which Judea was divided. The population was almost exclusively Jewish. 

Sharon – Sharon is a large coastal plain in northern Palestine. Joppa lay at the southern end of this plain that extends north about  50 kilometres to Caesarea where Herod built a network of roads, the population of this area grew considerably.

It was not told how this city was evangelised. It may have been reached by the Christians dispersed from Jerusalem following the persecution in Acts 8:1, 4.

Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Just as Jesus went about every city ad village preaching the gospel, teaching and healing, Peter passed throughout all quarters.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

The hard work was undergirded with a resolve and purposeful determination in the heart to this gospel work despite setbacks. Matthew described by two verbs, Jesus “saw” and “moved with compassion”. It described deep affection. A deep compassion for the suffering, indicates not only a pained feeling at sight of suffering, but in addition a strong desire to relieve and to remove the sufferings.[1]

The word literally means “bowels” or intestines, to have the viscera moved, lungs, heart, and liver, which are considered to be the seat of the feelings, such as love, pity, etc. We may say, “his heart was stirred.”

This moving with compassion proved that His heart was ever filled with merciful kindness and feelings of pity for the distressed of every description. Whenever and wherever suffering and sorrow of body or soul met His eyes, His heart was moved with compassion. The compassion of Jesus is one of the deepest, richest, most comforting of all his Saviour qualities. “

He felt for them so much, it is as if it affected his physical inner being and it moved Him to action. That’s God’s love, the agape-type, sacrificial, unconditional.

Jesus is able to read the hearts to see the burdens in the hearts of the multitude. There was sorrow, grief, affliction, trouble, sin that was in the heart of these. 

He was not thinking about Himself and His interest but He had in mind their interest and welfare. In this verse, we see the great value of lost souls in the heart of our Lord. 

They fainted – to physically become weary or exhausted, give out, to lose heart and become discouraged. They fainted and were scattered abroad. These are two word pictures – two perfect participles used as adjectives; their tense describes a present condition as resulting from a past action.

The first word – they fainted, the word literally meant, “having been flayed,” or milder, “having the skin torn,” as this happens to sheep wandering among brambles and sharp rocks. 

The second word translated, “they were scattered abroad”. It comes from root word which means, “thrown down prone and helpless”, exhausted, totally drained of energy. 

This verb is used with reference to corpses lying prostrate on the ground. Both participles are made vivid by the comparison: “like sheep not having a shepherd.” They looked abject, torn and exhausted, a sight to rend the heart, most pitiful sight.

As He saw their lost estate, it drove Him into action. What follows shows that Jesus was thinking of the spiritual condition of the people.

Their souls received no wholesome spiritual food and care, for, as far as that was concerned, they were left to shift for themselves. 

Material and physical destitution moves man deeply to provide humanitarian aid, but Jesus’s care goes beyond the physical for He saw for even their spiritual distress?

Jesus felt deeply for them. He is the good Shepherd who cared for His sheep. The good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep.

This unconditional and sacrificial love is God’s power flowing in the life of God’s children. It comes as an overflow of the Holy Spirit’s power in the believer’s heart. It comes because the child of God has been touched by God’s love. Jesus demonstrated the greatness of this love in His ministry on earth. 

For us who are saved, it is a love that flow out of gratitude and indebtedness. We have been forgiven much, though undeserved. Unless we realize our lost estate and experienced in our hearts the reconciliation with God by the finished work of Christ on the cross, we cannot live out this love. It keeps us humble and loving.

We see Peter continuing the work of Christ, speaking and helping men and women one at a time. He was focused on this work that Christ has called him to do. 

(2) The Continuing Fruit of Evangelism

33 And there he found a certain man named AEneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34And Peter said unto him, AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Observe the blessed scene of evangelism at the Beautiful Gate. A lame man above 40 years old sought alms from Peter and John at the gate of the temple called Beautiful (Acts 3:2; 4:22). 

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. 

The man’s limbs were without strength, and he could not walk from birth. It was no fault of his. It was sad, but it was for the glory of God.

Peter and John were mindful of the precious gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ that they could offer to the man, winning men for Christ.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Indeed, “…how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15)

I believe that the man was not only healed physically, but he also was healed spiritually, because he was now praising God. If he was not yet clear on the gospel, I’m sure that he responded to Peter’s sermon that followed. The man’s joy is a fulfillment of what Jesus the Messiah would do.

Isaiah 35:5-6 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

These words were fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry (Matt. 11:5).

Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Imagine the joy in the heart of the man, the joy in heaven that a soul was gloriously saved and the joy in the hearts of Peter and John who took the time to help the lame man. Notice, the man did not praise Peter and John for his healing but praised God. He knew it was God who healed him!

Peter answered the people who saw the lame man walking and praising God that it was by faith in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that the lame man was made strong (Acts 3:16).

When brought before the rulers of the people, Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost testified further. Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Peter spoke boldly that salvation comes only in Jesus Christ – Acts 4:12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

How was the lame man saved? Not by silver and gold. Peter and John said to the man that they had none to offer him. Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be bought with money.

1 Peter 1:18-19 “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Today, we do not possess such supernatural power of miracle healing but we can pray for the needs of those we meet, acknowledging that power comes from God, and we submit ourselves to His sovereign power and will to heal.

(1) The Continuing Work of Evangelism 

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 

Tabitha is a Aramaic name that means “gazelle” Dorcas is a Greek translation of the name. The fact that she has a Greek name illustrates the level of Greek influence in Palestine.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 

It was common in the ancient cultures to wash and anoint a body in preparation for burial. The Jews does likewise.

38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Recall Life of Elisha (Serving Our Faithful God) – Crisis Management (2 Kings 4:18-37).

Life can be fraught with dangers and crisis situations. Oftentimes, when a crisis hits us, we are at the loss how to respond. As a child of God, we need to know that in all situations that befall us in life, God knows and understands and is still in control although the situation in our own assignment seemed to have spun out of control.

We may not understand why we are put in that predicament but we can seek God for direction how to respond. What are the resources available at our disposal? We have here the story of this godly lady in Shunem who love God and ministered to God’s servant Elisha and was rewarded by God with a son. However, some years later, the son suddenly died. This was the story how she managed that crisis.

  • Crisis At Hand (v18-20)
  • Calmness to Seek God’s Help (v21-30)
  • Claiming the Resource of Prayer (v31-34)
  • Courage to Trust God’s Power to Move In His Own Time and His Own Way (v35-38)

We recall the story of Elisha’s encounter with this woman in Shunem, located on the northern edge of the Plain of Esdraelon, north of Jezreel and east of Mount Carmel. She often sees Elisha coming through her village. She was a woman of faith who saw the value of Elisha’s work in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of great falling away of the faith. She ministered to God’s prophet by providing bread for him each time he came by. Seeing the toil and need of Elisha, she decided went further to construct a “prophet’s chamber” in her home to provide a shelter and resting place for him when he was in town. God rewarded her with a son in response to her gracious hospitality shown toward God’s servant in 1 Kings 4:16-17.

40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

The story goes that some years later when the boy was in the field to meet his father that he suddenly felt great pain in his head. The cause of his headache was not known. The father immediately instructed for the child to be brought to his mother in their home. When his mother nursed him as he sat on her knees until it was mid-day when the child died. What great devastation for a mother to witness the death of his own son. She must have been in prayer seeking God for wisdom what to do in this time of crisis.

Dear brethren, what do you do when a crisis situation befalls you? For this woman, she responded in faith. God is still on the throne. She has been spending her life loving God and His people.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) 28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Although she did not understand why she has to be faced with such a predicament, she was calmly trusting God guidance in this time of need.

Calmness to Seek God’s Help (v21-31)

21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.

She did not panic. She knew what she was doing. She must have uttered a prayer to God to grant her wisdom what to do in view of the crisis.

Recall the psalmist David’s prayer in time of crisis. He pleaded with God to show mercy to him, to direct his path. He understands that God will make a way for him. He examines his life, confesses his sin. Sought the Lord’s mercy

Psalm 25:4-10 (KJV) 4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD. 8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

I Know the Lord Will Make a Way For Me

I Know the Lord Will Make a Way For Me (2x)

If I look to Him in prayer, darkest night will turn to day.

I Know the Lord Will Make a Way for Me.

Of course, in the moment of severe crisis, we have not do all that David did. We may be so shocked and grieved, not knowing what we pray. Realize that the Holy Spirit that indwells the believer keeps him by His divine power.

Romans 8:26-27 (KJV) 26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The Apostle Paul reveals that the Holy Spirit comes to our aid in our spiritual weaknesses. Often, we know not what we should pray. The blessed Spirit helps us by interceding for us with deep inarticulate pleadings on our behalf. This support is consistent, continuous and constructive that we may be built up spiritually and strengthened in times of crisis. We cannot fully fathom the inner work of the Holy Spirit but realize we are not struggling alone in our spiritual weaknesses.

Claiming the Resource of Prayer (v32-33)

32 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. 33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. 

The Holy Spirit turns prayer from activity into energy (John Blanchard). As the old saying goes, “When we work, we work, when we pray God works.”

Elisha demanded privacy for fervent prayer. Elisha prayed earnestly for God’s help that God be merciful to save this child. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

To spend an hour worrying on our knees is not prayer. Indeed, there are times when it is our duty, having committed a problem to God in prayer, to stop praying and to trust and to do the necessary work to arrive at a solution. (Oliver Barclay)

Philippians 4:6 (KJV) 6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Like Elijah, Elisha was not doing his own wishes but was doing God’s will. As the saying goes, “When there is no hope on the horizontal level, there is always hope on the vertical level.”

John 15:7-8 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Elisha’s life, like Elijah’s life was one of dependence. His will was absorbed in God’s will. He understood that God’s will is the best and he sought God’s will to be fulfilled in his ministry.

Elisha tarried with God in prayer. He knew his mission is not completed. He separated himself in the solitary confines of the room and sought God’s help in fervent pray.

Courage to Trust God’s Power to Move In His Own Time and His Own Way (v34-38)

Having prayed, we need to know that God is still on the throne. We are to put our eyes upon God and rest in His love (Adrian Rogers). Whatever the outcome may be, we trust God to work out His will in His time and in His way.

A miracle was wrought to revive the dead child. Hallelujah! God’s name be praised.

  • Crisis At Hand
  • Calmness to Seek God’s Help
  • Claiming the Resource of Prayer
  • Courage to Trust God’s Power to Move In His Own Time and His Own Way

Peter got down on his knees and pray. Peter did not have some inherent power and ability to heal. He calls on God to give him direction on how to respond to this situation and for the ability to do what God wants him to do. 

CONCLUSION

(1) The Continuing Work of Evangelism 

(2) The Continuing Fruit of Evangelism

[1] Lenski, Matthew, Olive Tree Bible Software.