Encounters by Nathaniel Reed

In this new and interesting book, the author has selected sixteen “Healing Miracles” of the Lord Jesus to study in detail, both from their immediate context there and then, and from their application to us many centuries later.

He introduces each miracle as an “encounter” and as such gives a vivid pen-picture of the incident as it unfolds, including its relevant historical background. This is followed by a section entitled “At the Feet of the Great Physician” which focusses on what we can learn to bring us closer to our Lord Jesus here and now.

The sixteen miracles are carefully considered in four groups: “All Manner of Diseases” (7), “Women Healed by Jesus” (3), “Lepers Healed” (2), “The Blind See” (4). In each section the miracles are arranged chronologically.

Helpful charts and tabulated comparisons are a regular feature throughout the book and encourage further study. Examples are “Ten Promises of the Lord Jesus” (chapter 1), “Centurions of the New Testament” (chapter 5), and “What the Lord Asked His Followers to Do” (chapter 13). Information boxes are included to supply some intriguing facts; for example, “The Lord of Time and Distance” (chapter 1), “The Pharisees - A Dozen Interesting Facts about these Troublemakers” (chapter 4), “The Scribes/Lawyers” (chapter 7) and “The Pool of Siloam” (chapter 13).

Reaching out to the sick and sorrowful was always an important part of the Lord’s ministry. Such miracles confirmed His Deity and drew people to Him so that they might hear the truth of why He came to live among them. These encounters also give us clear glimpses into the compassionate heart of the Saviour, and give us an appreciation of how much He loved and cared for the people for whom He came to die.

In 2019, Dr Walter Hannay of Scotland published the book “Jesus, the Great Physician” in which he described many of His “cases” and their radical treatment by One who had, and has, greater knowledge, skill, and compassion than any other. This longer book by a Canadian author takes up the same subject in a different way and in more detail. It enhances our appreciation of the Lord Jesus as the Great Physician, and calls us to be more like Him and reflect His grace in our treatment of others whom we may encounter on life’s journey. This is a worthwhile book to read and reflect on what is always an interesting subject.