¹² And His disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. ¹³ Now when Jesus heard this, He withdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place apart. But when the crowds heard it, they followed Him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ As He went ashore He saw a great throng; and He had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

(Matthew 14: 12-14)

Jesus had just been told that John the Baptist was beheaded. He sought a place away from the multitude to grieve this loss privately. Yet, moved with compassion and empathy, understanding the needs of the people seeking Him, He left His solitude, putting aside His personal grief, to minister to them and heal their sick.

How many times have we gone to a doctor seeking help and left feeling that the physician just didn’t understand our needs and didn’t have the compassion to make that extra effort to find a cause, a solution, a treatment, a referral. Have we wished that doctors could just experience what we are enduring for a day or even a week, so they could have the empathy needed to walk as we walk, day-by-day?

“The great Physician now is near,
The sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus.” ¹

 Ultimately, we can find only One who has been there with us and has endured what we have experienced.

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus heals both body and soul. He IS the Great Physician. Turning to Him, we find a balm for whatever suffering we are experiencing. He hears with ears that listen, watches with eyes that see, feels with a heart of compassion, touches with the power of healing.

Do we seek the Great Physician in those times of struggle, sickness, despair, loss—and even in the day-to-day trials that weigh us down? He is ever near us. No appointment necessary. No waiting to be seen. No fee as we leave; it has been paid by Him.

“Sweetest note in seraph song,
Sweetest name on mortal tongue;
Sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus.” ¹

 Will we speak His Name and go to Him for healing?

 

 ¹ Hunter, William. “The Great Physician.” https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/The_Great_Physician

(Sharon G. Tate blog 08/04/19) teacherforjesus.com  Meditations on God’s Word