“And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.”
– Luke 10:8-9
When Christ sent out the twelve disciples on their first missionary tour, He bade them, “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7, 8).
To the Seventy sent forth later He said: “Into whatsoever city ye enter, … heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you” (Luke 10:8, 9). …
After Christ’s ascension the same work was continued. The scenes of His own ministry were repeated. …
Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, was a medical missionary. In the Scriptures he is called “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14). The apostle Paul heard of his skill as a physician, and sought him out as one to whom the Lord had entrusted a special work. He secured his cooperation, and for some time Luke accompanied him in his travels from place to place. … Thus the way was opened for the gospel message. Luke’s success as a physician gained for him many opportunities for preaching Christ among the heathen. It is the divine plan that we shall work as the disciples worked. Physical healing is bound up with the gospel commission. In the work of the gospel, teaching and healing are never to be separated. …
The giving of the gospel to the world is the work that God has committed to those who bear His name. For earth’s sin and misery the gospel is the only antidote. To make known to all mankind the message of the grace of God is the first work of those who know its healing power. … (1)
I was given instruction that as we approach the end, there will be large gatherings in our cities… and that preparations must be made to present the truth at these gatherings. When Christ was upon this earth, He took advantage of such opportunities. Wherever a large number of people was gathered for any purpose, His voice was heard, clear and distinct, giving His message…. (2)
Charge for the Day: Think about large gatherings going on in your area such as fairs, parades, farmers markets, etc. Find out how you and/or your church can participate to share the gospel.
1. The Ministry of Healing, p.141
2. Letter 296, 1904