Besides teaching, verse 23 tells us that Jesus cured every disease and every sickness among the people. Jesus healed. We know how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in John 11:1-4. When the woman with the blood issue touches Jesus’ cloak, she is healed in Mark 5:25-29. We could name many more. And healing was a part of the early church. Peter raises Dorcas from the dead in Acts 9:36-41. And healing still occurs today. Bodily healing does occur, and prayers of intercession can make a difference. It’s just that sometimes the answer is no and sometimes it’s not yet. It has to be according to God’s will. We must follow the example of Jesus in saying “not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) God may have a purpose for not healing us…yet. Because God can use whatever situation we’re in—Dr. David Jeremiah, in his book What Are You Afraid Of? cites missionary Isabel Kuhn when he says that “a life filled with problems and setbacks can become a life filled with unique tools for sharing the Gospel.” Healing can also mean restoration to the community. It can be argued that a big par of Jesus’ healing ministry was restoring the people he healed to their communities and allowing them to worship at the temples again, as before they would have been considered unclean. And spiritual healing—knowledge of salvation is far more important than bodily healing. After all, this life is only temporary, we are only here for a while, and we will be whole and healed in the world to come. Philippians 1:21 says that “living is Christ and dying is gain.” Exodus 15:26 speaks of the Lord God who heals you. Dr. Jeremiah says that God does heal you—“whether with a miracle, with medicine, or in the world to come.”
What are we going to do? If we follow this passage, and the rest of God’s word, we are going to follow Jesus. We are going to answer God’s call on our lives. By doing this, we will be the light to the world. We will be the light in dark places and minister to those on the fringes of society. We will show them God’s love, and we will also teach them God’s word. We will tell the good news, as Jesus did. Finally, we can be a conduit for healing in the world. Jesus healed in the Bible, and he is still healing today.
What are we going to do? If we follow Jesus and choose to be the light in dark places, if we spread the good news, if we allow for healing to take place…we can change the world.
Sarah's Journey Through Seminary 