When Peter encountered a lame man in the Temple, he commanded him to walk in Jesus’ name. The Lord Jesus instantly healed the man, much to the amazement of everyone present. Peter told his hearers that faith in Jesus was responsible for the miracle they just witnessed.
And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. Acts 3:16 (NASB)
He went on to preach the good news that Jesus died for their sins and rose again as Lord.
Forgiveness of sins and physical healing are linked.
When Jesus was interrogated by Jewish leaders for boldly declaring that a man’s sins were forgiven, he asked them:
"Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and walk'? 6 "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—then He *said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home." 7 And he got up and went home. 8 But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. Matthew 9:5-8 (NASB)
Jesus used physical healing to prove his spiritual authority to forgive. We are privileged to do that today.
Sadly, when talking with sick people about Jesus, rather than provide the Holy Spirit with an opportunity to demonstrate God’s power to heal by praying for healing, many of us today are afraid to publicly link his authority to forgive sins with his power to heal. Is this because we are afraid he will not heal and thus somehow discredit the gospel? Do we think the Holy Spirit is now impotent or that healing is no longer something God does? Or maybe we just do not have faith.
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14 (NKJV)
Compassion propelled Jesus then and now. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) His heart for people is the same today as then. His power is just as great. The need for corroboration of the gospel still exists. The big difference is that the Holy Spirit works through us now, requiring us to have faith.
Physical healing seems difficult, which is why Jesus still uses it to convince people of the truth of the gospel.
Our Lord wants people to believe the gospel and put their faith and allegiance in Him that they might experience the abundant life God desires for all of us. Let’s be bold to step out in faith to pray for the sick.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:8 (NLT)
