When Jesus came into Peter’s home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. 16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.” Matthew 8:14-17 (NASB)
God’s healing applies to our entire being – spirit, soul, and body, but Matthew specifically applies what Christ earned, when he endured the grisly beating at the hands of the Roman soldiers prior to his crucifixion, to our physical healing. This gives the sick person great hope when coming to God for healing.
But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. 5 He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 (NET1)
Jesus made it clear that God’s compassionate heart longs to heal our physical sicknesses.
In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Luke 5:12-13 (NLT)
Everywhere Jesus went he healed all those who were brought to him. There is no record of his ever refusing to heal someone; although, he did test the resolve of some.
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. Matthew 8:16 (NASB)
Jesus also sent his disciples out to preach the advent of God’s kingdom and confirm its presence by praying for physical healings and other signs of God’s power. Healing is one of the marks of the advancing presence of the Kingdom of God, which comes to us not only in word, but also in power. (1 Thes. 1:5)
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8 (NASB)
After Jesus’ resurrection, his disciples continued to heal people in order to confirm the validity of the Gospel and to give evidence of Christ’s compassionate reign. Jesus Christ is still alive, his Gospel and Kingdom are still advancing, and his promises have not changed.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NASB)
Do not believe those who claim that Jesus no longer operates in power today. Instead, go to him as did those sick people who lived when he walked the earth in Israel. Appeal to his compassion, just as did the Syro-Phoenician woman. Do not easily be turned aside; instead, keep crying out to Jesus, as did blind Bartimaeus.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
If we come to Jesus in faith, trusting him to fulfill his promises out of compassion for us, and ask him to heal us; then, we must leave the fulfillment to him. Faith immediately receives the promise, and hope waits however long it must for the fulfillment. Don’t be among those who never receive because they never ask. Ask and you shall receive.
Prayer for Healing
Jesus, I come to you because you are still the great Healer. You purchased my healing when you allowed those Roman soldiers to beat you unmercifully. I now come to receive the benefits of what you suffered. Heal me, Lord, right now from (name the sickness or disease). I thank you in advance for this healing. To you be all the glory and praise. I pray in your mighty and glorious name. Amen.
