Focus Text: Matthew 9:35-10:8

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.

Pastoral Reflection by Rev. Robert Mangum (Pembroke), Pastor, Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, Clio, SC

After the priority of forgiveness, it seems the next most important good news kingdom mission of Jesus to the poor and to all peoples was health and wholeness, “To Cure Every Disease.”  David reminds us of that ranking of priorities when he said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul and do not forget all his benefits, Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.”  The compassion of Jesus drove Him to heal “every disease and every sickness… of the harassed and helpless.”  Jesus was and is good news for “the whole person, in the whole community with the whole church.”

Key Fact

Over 1.5 million North Carolinians ages 0-64 do not have health insurance.  That is approximately 1 out of every 5 people in our state.  Children account for over 280,000 of the 1.5 million uninsured.