Today you should read: Luke 5:12-26
In our passage today, we see two accounts of miracles of Jesus—one where Jesus healed a man with leprosy; the other a man who was paralyzed. It is important to note that the point of Jesus’ miracles are not physical restoration, but worship. Jesus’ performed miracles to help show that He was the Messiah and that He should be believed in what He said about Himself. To go along with the power of God, there are three things to notice about these miracles.
Desperation
In both accounts of these miracles, we see desperate people seeking Jesus. In verse 12, we see the man with leprosy desperately falling at the feet of Jesus, begging Him to do a work in his life. In verse 19, we see a group of friends that were willing to do whatever it took to get their friend to Jesus. There was such a crowd that they couldn’t simply reach Jesus on foot, so they took desperate measures and went through the ceiling! This desperation was rooted both in an acknowledgement of need, as well as belief in the power of Jesus.
Belief
The desperation of these people is rooted in belief in Jesus as the Messiah. In verse 12 we also see the man with leprosy acknowledge his belief that Jesus has the power to make clean. In verse 20, Jesus Himself acknowledges the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends. This goes back to confirm the purpose of Jesus’ miracles: so that people would believe that Jesus is who He says He is.
Response
Lastly, we see the response of the people. Again, the purpose of miracles was to prove that Jesus was the Messiah, and that people would then believe. But we also see in verses 25-26 that the proper reaction is to be filled with awe and worship.
25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
The point of Jesus’ miracles is not physical restoration, but spiritual worship. The works of Jesus are meant to lead to worship of Jesus. God, in Himself, should be enough, even without physical miracles; but God in His grace allows physical healing to be evidence of His grace towards us, with the purpose being that we worship God in awe of who He is.
What is your reaction to the good things God gives? Do you worship God, in awe of who He is?
By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Apprentice
JumpstartCPC.com 
16) But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
This verse really spoke to me today. Jesus was incredibly busy doing important work but he “often withdrew” for prayer to renew His strength by being with His Heavenly Father. In the midst of busy lives we can never forget to take time for prayer. Otherwise our spiritual batteries completely discharge.
Thanks for the commentary G-dub!
I’m so thankful for the blessings and miracles in my life. Gods goodness and graciousness is overwhelming. I’m desperate for His help today. I can’t make it without Him. Thanks Graham