Something Needs to Change by David PlattSample

Day 3: Spiritual Need

Less than 1 percent of the people who live in the Himalayas where this study was filmed have ever heard the name of Jesus. Our efforts must go beyond offering material assistance if we’re seeking to reach someone’s deepest need. Luke's Gospel shows us the priority of spiritual need.

When the men dismantled the roof to bring their friend to Jesus, they believed in Jesus’ power to heal. However, Jesus rightly understood that more than the ability to walk, this man needed to be reconciled to God. From this encounter with Jesus, we learn that although physical need is evident all around us, spiritual need is ultimate. 

For thousands of years, the spectacular beauty of the Himalayas has declared the glory of God, but the majestic peaks have never said one word about Jesus. The villagers there have never heard the most beautiful news in the world: Jesus died to save them from their sins.

Going to places where the gospel isn’t known brings us face-to-face with the spiritual condition of billions of people around the world. The Christian church shouldn’t tolerate the fact that two thousand years after Jesus walked on earth, there are people who’ve never heard His name. We have the greatest news for their greatest need, and we’re called to give our lives to take the gospel to them.  For us, who understand their deepest needs can be met in Jesus—we have a responsibility to get them to Jesus. Are we desperate for them to be near Jesus like the man’s friends in Luke 5?