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Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

Do I need Jesus? There are three possible answers. The first one is, “No!” If I look at myself and think I’m pretty good, it would be easy to conclude, “I don’t need Jesus.” I have myself—my good intentions, my good works, and my better-than-everyone-else attitude. Why would I need Jesus when I have myself?

The second answer is not as self-centered. I may conclude, “I need Jesus, but only in emergencies.” I believe I am in perfect control of my life. I have everything in order and running smoothly. Still, I recognize that there are times when a situation is beyond my control. Then, I need Jesus. I need him to undo the mess I have made. I need him to help me get everything back into control. It is good to know Jesus is there when I really need him.

The third answer is the most honest. Do I need Jesus? “Absolutely!” Through the diagnosis of God’s perfect Word, I recognize I am sick. My disobedience has robbed me of my strength. My selfishness has destroyed my well-being. My indifference to the Lord and his will has made me terminally ill. I need Jesus.

In answer to my need, Jesus is there. He is there as a doctor to heal my sin-sick soul with his assurance of forgiveness. He is there to restore my strength with his never-failing power. He is there to renew my love with his own unselfish sacrifice. Jesus is there to make me whole.

I need to be honest with myself. I need Jesus. I need him to be my comfort and strength. I need him to be my Savior from sin. I need him to be my Great Physician.

O dearest Jesus, I need your help daily. Come with your healing and help. Come with your rescue and relief. Come and never leave. Amen!

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.