Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 9:37-45
J.C. Ryle emphasizes the compassionate ministry of Jesus in healing and delivering those oppressed by evil, urging believers to trust in prayer and Christ's power for their troubled loved ones.
In this expository sermon on Luke 9:37-45, J.C. Ryle explores the compassionate ministry of Jesus as He heals a boy possessed by an evil spirit. Ryle highlights the importance of prayer and intercession for troubled loved ones and encourages believers to follow Christ's example of selfless service. This sermon offers practical comfort and guidance for Christian parents and all who face spiritual battles.
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THE HEALING OF A BOY WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT
The event described in these verses took place immediately after the transfiguration. The Lord Jesus, we should remark, did not tarry long on the Mount of Olives. His communion with Moses and Elijah was very short. He soon returned to His accustomed work of doing good to a sin-stricken world. In His life on earth, to receive honor and have visions of glory was the exception. To minister to others, to heal all who were oppressed by the devil, to do acts of mercy to sinners, was the rule. Happy are those Christians who have learned of Jesus to live for others more than for themselves, and who understand that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35.)
We have first, in these verses, an example of what a parent should do when he is troubled about his children. We are told of a man in severe distress about his only son. This son was possessed by an evil spirit, and grievously tormented by him, both in body and soul. In his distress the father makes application to our Lord Jesus Christ for relief. "Master," he says, "I beseech You, look upon my son--for he is my only child."
There are many Christian fathers and mothers at this day who are just as miserable about their children as the man of whom we are reading. The son who was once the "desire of their eyes," and in whom their lives were bound up, turns out a spendthrift, a profligate, and a companion of sinners. The daughter who was once the flower of the family, and of whom they said, "This girl shall be the comfort of our old age," becomes self-willed, worldly minded, and a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God. Their hearts are well near broken. The iron seems to enter into their souls. The devil appears to triumph over them, and rob them of their choicest jewels. They are ready to cry, "I shall go to the grave sorrowing. What good shall my life do to me?"
Now what should a father or mother do in a case like this? They should do as the man before us did. They should go to Jesus in prayer, and cry to Him about their child. They should spread before that merciful Savior the tale of their sorrows, and entreat Him to help them. Great is the power of prayer and intercession! The child of many prayers shall seldom be cast away. God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Context of the Healing
- Jesus returns quickly from the Mount of Transfiguration
- His ministry focuses on mercy and healing
- Serving others is the norm for Christ's followers
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II. The Father's Distress and Plea
- A father troubled over his possessed son
- The son's torment in body and soul
- The father's earnest appeal to Jesus
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III. Lessons for Christian Parents
- Many parents face sorrow over wayward children
- The power of prayer and intercession
- Encouragement to bring burdens to Christ
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IV. The Call to Imitate Christ’s Compassion
- Jesus' ministry as a model for believers
- Living for others more than oneself
- The blessing of giving over receiving
Key Quotes
“In His life on earth, to receive honor and have visions of glory was the exception. To minister to others, to heal all who were oppressed by the devil, to do acts of mercy to sinners, was the rule.” — J.C. Ryle
“Happy are those Christians who have learned of Jesus to live for others more than for themselves, and who understand that it is 'more blessed to give than to receive.'” — J.C. Ryle
“Great is the power of prayer and intercession! The child of many prayers shall seldom be cast away.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Bring your burdens and the struggles of your loved ones to Jesus in prayer.
- Emulate Christ’s example by living a life focused on serving others.
- Trust in the power of prayer and intercession to bring healing and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main event described in this passage?
The healing of a boy possessed by an evil spirit immediately after Jesus' transfiguration.
Why did Jesus not stay long on the Mount of Olives?
Because His primary mission was to minister to others and do good to a sin-stricken world.
What should parents do when troubled about their children according to this sermon?
They should bring their sorrows and pleas to Jesus in prayer and intercession.
What lesson does J.C. Ryle emphasize about Christian living?
That Christians should live for others more than themselves, following Jesus' example.
What is the significance of Acts 20:35 in this sermon?
It highlights the blessing of giving rather than receiving, encouraging selfless service.