You Make a Difference: Healthcare HeroesНамуна

The Great Physician

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” MARK 2:17 NIV

Jesus reclined during dinner at Levi’s house. Levi was a tax collector, and the table was surrounded by many tax collectors and sinners; Jesus’ disciples were also present. The entire focus of Jesus’ earthly ministry was to turn the hearts of the people back to God. The religious leaders of His time took issue with Him eating with sinners and tax collectors. They were determined only to accept those whom they deemed worthy. They did not believe the grace of God was available to anyone except them. They looked down on those who were unfortunate and refused to engage with sinners.

Then Jesus came along and called into question their behaviors and their beliefs. He offered hope and the gift of reconciliation to the lost. Jesus worked many miracles and touched the lives of many during His short earthly ministry. Jesus took time to minister to those who were sick or lost. He spent time teaching sinners and proclaiming the gospel to tax collectors. He didn’t spend much time at the finest tables, nor did He wear the most elegant clothes, even though He was a king. He spent time helping those who were hurting and in need.

Jesus knew there would be times when healthcare workers would be required to care for those with terminal illnesses, those without the ability to pay, and those with self-inflicted illnesses. These situations can become overwhelming and, at times, even heartbreaking. Try to remember today that you are called to serve. In serving others, you are serving God. In your labor of love, you serve as the hands and feet of Jesus on earth. Take confidence in knowing that God is honored when you accept and humbly serve the hurting, the needy, and the sick.

FATHER, there are times when I am overwhelmed, and my heart is broken. May I love and minister to others the way You did when You walked this earth. Help me to serve my patients and colleagues in a way that brings glory to You. Amen.