From Unclean to Clean
Dr. Jerry Shields preaches from the sermon series “From Victim to Victory” in this sermon entitled “From Unclean to Clean”.
In today’s sermon, Pastor Jerry explores the mission of Jesus as depicted in Luke, emphasizing His role in bringing healing and restoration to those suffering in a broken world. He highlights the story of a leper who, despite his desperate condition, encounters the compassion of Jesus, who reaches out and cleanses him. Pastor Jerry illustrates that no matter our suffering, whether physical, social, or psychological, Jesus can transform us from victims to victorious individuals through His personal touch. We can respond with gratitude and extend that same love and outreach to others, encouraging the church to actively share the hope found in Christ.
Day 1
Luke 5:12-13
In this passage, we see a powerful moment where a man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus with faith and desperation. His physical condition not only reflects his suffering but also symbolizes the broader struggles we face in life. Jesus’ willingness to heal him demonstrates His compassionate nature, showing that no one is beyond the reach of His love and mercy. This teaches us that regardless of our circumstances, we can bring our burdens to Jesus, who has the power to make us clean and set us free. As we reflect on this encounter, consider the areas in your life where you feel like the leper, isolated and unclean. Jesus is ready and willing to reach out and touch you. Do not hesitate to call upon Him for healing and restoration in your lives.
What burdens am I carrying that I need to bring to Jesus?
In what ways do I feel unworthy of His touch?
How can I move toward Jesus despite my struggles?
Pray for the courage to approach Jesus with your needs.
Ask for a fresh revelation of His willingness to heal and restore.
In this passage, we see a powerful moment where a man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus with faith and desperation. His physical condition not only reflects his suffering but also symbolizes the broader struggles we face in life. Jesus’ willingness to heal him demonstrates His compassionate nature, showing that no one is beyond the reach of His love and mercy. This teaches us that regardless of our circumstances, we can bring our burdens to Jesus, who has the power to make us clean and set us free. As we reflect on this encounter, consider the areas in your life where you feel like the leper, isolated and unclean. Jesus is ready and willing to reach out and touch you. Do not hesitate to call upon Him for healing and restoration in your lives.
What burdens am I carrying that I need to bring to Jesus?
In what ways do I feel unworthy of His touch?
How can I move toward Jesus despite my struggles?
Pray for the courage to approach Jesus with your needs.
Ask for a fresh revelation of His willingness to heal and restore.
Day 2
Luke 5:14
The instructions given to the healed leper to show himself to the priest highlight the importance of community and the process of restoration. Jesus not only healed him but also provided a pathway back to society. This act underscores that healing isn’t merely a private affair; it involves the community’s recognition and acceptance. In our lives, as we experience divine cleansing, it is essential to share our testimonies, allowing others to see the transformative work of God. Sharing our stories can be a powerful tool in seeing the healing that took place in our own lives. It helps others to understand that healing is possible and can encourage those around us who may feel similarly alone or afflicted.
How can I share my testimony with others as a means of encouragement?
Who in my life needs to hear about the healing and restoration I’ve experienced?
What steps can I take to fully reintegrate into my community?
Thank God for the community He provides in your life.
Pray for opportunities to encourage others through your story of healing.
The instructions given to the healed leper to show himself to the priest highlight the importance of community and the process of restoration. Jesus not only healed him but also provided a pathway back to society. This act underscores that healing isn’t merely a private affair; it involves the community’s recognition and acceptance. In our lives, as we experience divine cleansing, it is essential to share our testimonies, allowing others to see the transformative work of God. Sharing our stories can be a powerful tool in seeing the healing that took place in our own lives. It helps others to understand that healing is possible and can encourage those around us who may feel similarly alone or afflicted.
How can I share my testimony with others as a means of encouragement?
Who in my life needs to hear about the healing and restoration I’ve experienced?
What steps can I take to fully reintegrate into my community?
Thank God for the community He provides in your life.
Pray for opportunities to encourage others through your story of healing.
Day 3
Luke 5:15-16
As news about Jesus spreads and great crowds gather, there’s a crucial lesson to be learned: seeking solitude in the midst of busyness. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. This pattern reveals the necessity of quiet reflection and connection with God. In our lives, we can easily become overwhelmed by responsibilities and the demands of life, yet it is vital to carve out time for prayer and communion with the Father. In those moments of quiet, we can recharge and refocus on our mission, surrendering our cares and burdens to Him. This practice not only grounds us but also equips us to go forth and share the love of Christ with the world around us.
When was the last time I intentionally sought solitude with God?
What distractions prevent me from spending time in prayer?
How can I prioritize quiet times in my daily routine?
Pray for discipline to create space for God in your life.
Ask for clarity on His purpose during your prayer time.
As news about Jesus spreads and great crowds gather, there’s a crucial lesson to be learned: seeking solitude in the midst of busyness. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. This pattern reveals the necessity of quiet reflection and connection with God. In our lives, we can easily become overwhelmed by responsibilities and the demands of life, yet it is vital to carve out time for prayer and communion with the Father. In those moments of quiet, we can recharge and refocus on our mission, surrendering our cares and burdens to Him. This practice not only grounds us but also equips us to go forth and share the love of Christ with the world around us.
When was the last time I intentionally sought solitude with God?
What distractions prevent me from spending time in prayer?
How can I prioritize quiet times in my daily routine?
Pray for discipline to create space for God in your life.
Ask for clarity on His purpose during your prayer time.
Day 4
Luke 5:17-19
In this passage, we witness the determination of the friends who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. Their relentless faith and creative solutions demonstrate the crucial role of community in our spiritual journeys. There may be times when we are not in a position to reach out for help, and it is in those moments that our friends must step in, bringing us to the One who can heal and restore. Mutual support and encouragement within our communities can change lives. Let us be mindful of the people around us who may need our help and be willing to step out of our way to bring them to Jesus.
Who in my life might need encouragement or healing right now?
How can I be a supportive friend to someone facing challenges?
Am I open to being the hands and feet of Jesus to others in need?
Ask God to show you opportunities to help others in their struggles.
Pray for the courage to be a supportive community member.
In this passage, we witness the determination of the friends who brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. Their relentless faith and creative solutions demonstrate the crucial role of community in our spiritual journeys. There may be times when we are not in a position to reach out for help, and it is in those moments that our friends must step in, bringing us to the One who can heal and restore. Mutual support and encouragement within our communities can change lives. Let us be mindful of the people around us who may need our help and be willing to step out of our way to bring them to Jesus.
Who in my life might need encouragement or healing right now?
How can I be a supportive friend to someone facing challenges?
Am I open to being the hands and feet of Jesus to others in need?
Ask God to show you opportunities to help others in their struggles.
Pray for the courage to be a supportive community member.
Day 5
Luke 5:20-26
The healing of the paralyzed man serves as a powerful reminder that our faith impacts not only our lives but the lives of those around us. Jesus recognized the faith of the many gathered and responded with grace. Our faith can open doors for healing, not only for ourselves but also for those we love and care for. As we close this devotional series, let’s remember that we are called to be vessels of hope, demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions. Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement can serve as a reflection of the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.
How can my faith encourage someone else’s journey?
What steps can I take to be a vessel of Christ’s hope in my community?
Am I living out my faith in a way that compels others to seek Jesus?
Pray for those you can reach out to with the love of Christ.
Thank God for the healing and restoration He has provided in your life, and commit to sharing that with others.
The healing of the paralyzed man serves as a powerful reminder that our faith impacts not only our lives but the lives of those around us. Jesus recognized the faith of the many gathered and responded with grace. Our faith can open doors for healing, not only for ourselves but also for those we love and care for. As we close this devotional series, let’s remember that we are called to be vessels of hope, demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions. Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement can serve as a reflection of the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.
How can my faith encourage someone else’s journey?
What steps can I take to be a vessel of Christ’s hope in my community?
Am I living out my faith in a way that compels others to seek Jesus?
Pray for those you can reach out to with the love of Christ.
Thank God for the healing and restoration He has provided in your life, and commit to sharing that with others.