Touched by Our Infirmities

Introduction The message focuses on the compassion and empathy of Jesus, highlighting specific instances from the Bible where Jesus was moved by human suffering, faith, and the spiritual state of people. Pastor Tommy emphasizes that Jesus is touched by our infirmities and cares about our lives, encouraging listeners to approach Him with boldness and faith. Jesus’ Compassion and Empathy Jesus is touched by our infirmities: Quoting Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities.” He understands what we go through and is able to help in times of need. A cry for mercy moves Jesus: The story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10 is used as an example. Bartimaeus cried out, “Thou son of David, have mercy on me,” and Jesus stopped for him. Emphasizes that earnest cries to God still move Him to respond and help. Acts of faith touch Jesus: The story of the woman with the issue of blood is referenced. She believed that touching the hem of Jesus’ garment would heal her. “If I could just touch the hem of His garment, I know that I’ll be made whole.” Jesus felt power leave Him and turned to find out who touched Him. Faith intersects with God’s faithfulness to create miracles. The Centurion’s faith: The Centurion’s faith in Luke 7 is highlighted. The Centurion believed Jesus could heal his servant from a distance by just saying the word. “I am not worthy that you come under my roof. But…if you’ll just say the word…my servant will be healed.” Jesus marveled at the Centurion’s great faith, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Pastor Tommy expresses a desire for people to believe God in such a way that He marvels at their faith. Unbelief makes Jesus marvel: In Mark 6:6, Jesus marveled because of the unbelief of the people in his hometown. He was limited in what he could do because people didn’t believe. Pastor Tommy expresses a desire to not have Jesus marvel at their unbelief after all the blessings and help He has provided. Hardness of hearts angers Jesus: Reference to Mark 3:5, where Jesus was angry and grieved by the hardness of hearts of the Pharisees. They were more concerned about the Sabbath than the man with the withered hand. “He looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts.” Pastor Tommy urges listeners to ask God to search their hearts and remove any wickedness that leads to hardness of heart. Suffering saints move Jesus: The story of Stephen in Acts 7 is used as an example. Stephen, while being stoned, looked up to heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The suffering of those who are martyred or suffer for the cause of Christ still moves God today. Pastor Tommy believes Jesus has stood up for them in times of suffering. Jesus weeps: Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:33, 35). He was moved by the weeping of Mary and the other Jews. “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping…He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And…Jesus wept.” He wept not for Lazarus, but for those still alive and grieving. Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). He was moved by the lost souls in the city. “When He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it.” Pastor Tommy believes Jesus is still touched by the lost people in the world and the lack of people willing to share the gospel. Conclusion and Invitation Come boldly to the throne of grace: Based on Hebrews 4:16, knowing that Jesus is touched by our infirmities, we can come boldly to the throne of grace. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” We can take our cares and troubles to Him, knowing He cares and is touched by what we are going through. Invitation: An invitation is extended to those who need help to come forward, believing that Jesus cares for them and their condition. Pastor Tommy hopes that the message has conveyed that Jesus loves and cares for everyone. A verse of “Amazing Grace” is sung.