The Extra Mile, Jesus Style

Going further than is required is not a characteristic of many people these days. I don't mean to sound cynical, but it's true. I am not pointing the finger either, cause I know I can be that way, too! Get done what needs to get done, and then crash.

As I came to Matthew 8 I was convicted by the extreme to which Jesus goes to accomplish His purposes. He does not just heal the sick, He reaches His hand out to touch the sick and dying of the world.

From other passages it is clear Jesus could heal with just a word. I mean, He did speak the universe into existence! So when He gets His hands involved it is not by accident, it is very intentional. Our God used His hands to form man and form woman at Creation.

Then we see Him use His holy hands to touch a leprous man who had not had human contact in years, I'm sure. The leprous people were considered "unclean" and "outcasts". This man would be living among other leprous people and would not have been hugged or even touched by a healthy hand since he got sick. Now the healthiest, wholest hand ever to exist reached out His and and touched the man (v.3). "I am willing." Jesus tells him.

Jesus was referring to His willingness to heal, but how I love the willingness of God to reach out, go the extra mile and heal to the uttermost! He is so faithful! Oh, that we would have hearts to go the extra mile with joy and no fear, but compassion and love. Just like Jesus.