We're starting the year off with a two month sermon series in which we'll look at some of the priorities of Jesus' life.
The premise behind the series is the Biblical principle of "likeness." Throughout the Scriptures we see spiritual leaders calling people to follow them and to become like them - in character and in conduct.
Pastor Don's hope for the New Year is that we will take a quantum leap in our commitment to Christ-likeness; so much so, that when others think of us, they say, "that person is like Jesus."

Our 2022 Bible Reading Plan takes us through the 4 Gospels and gives us a chronological walk through the life and ministry of Jesus.
It's not realistic to think a person can be committed to someone if they don't know them personally, or at least know a lot about the person.
Just as this is true of the people we encounter in our day-to-day lives, it is true of Jesus the Son of God who we claim to have as our Lord and Savior.
2 Peter 2:18 [NLT]
1 John 2:6 [NLT]

During this series we'll explore the key character qualities, priorities, and habits of Jesus. The goal of the Bible reading program and this series is to help you mature in your faith. You'll have accomplished this if you can look in the mirror and say, "I see more of the person who Jesus wants me to be, than the person who He came to set free!"

Today we are looking at the first of 8 qualities from the life of Jesus that should be evident in our life.
As you read through the Gospels, you'll notice that Jesus was a healer.
The ability to heal is from God and was only used in specific instances throughout the pages of Scripture. In the Bible there is close to 2 dozen healings of some type recorded in Jesus' 3 1/2 year ministry and less than a dozen in the entire book of Acts which covers about 30 years.
Matthew 11:3-5
Acts 10:38

It was not and is not the norm in recorded history where people have the ability to heal. But God has, is, and can heal people in any capacity He chooses.
Many people fixate on the healing or miracle aspect of Jesus' ministry. But in doing so, we lose sight of the underlying reason. These signs were to communicate a purpose to a sinful, selfish, and stubborn people who only lived by their senses...they had to see something to believe it!
Healing people was not Jesus' primary mission, disciple making was.
Luke 19:10

It was compassion that served as the motivation for Jesus' daily life.
Compassion demonstrates God's love for those who are under the power of satan and sin, and models how we are to live as His people. Compassion is bigger than just healing!
Compassion in the Hebrew and Greek language of the Bible means "to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity."
Our English dictionary defines compassion as "a deep awareness of the suffering of another accompanied by the wish to relieve it."

As you read through the Gospels, you'll see that Jesus was indeed a man of deep feelings, but also, devoted actions. In a number of passages we read that Jesus was "moved with compassion" or "had compassion" toward people. Matthew 20:29-34
Whether those in need were religious or non-religious, friends or strangers, poor or wealthy, and even Jew or Gentile.
Matthew 5:46-47

The motivation of compassion is what continues to make the reality of God real to the people of this world.
If we want to bring healing into the world today, perhaps compassion might do it.
Today, as a way of helping you apply this to your life, here are 6 hand motions which will help us remember to be.like.Jesus in this key area.

1. Lifting your ARMS

2. Holding your HEAD

3. Touching your EYES

4. Crossing your HEART

5. Offering your HAND

6. Using your VOICE