Taking the Mystery Out of Healing

People wonder how it is that people are healed. What are the mechanics of bringing about a healing. What secret words, prayers, methods are used. Why do we make things so difficult? Where's the mystery? It's all about love.

Romans 5: 5
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

It's that love poured into us that brings about diving healing of everything. Jesus commanded us to love:

Luke 10: 27
27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."

When we read or hear about someone being healed by prayer or the laying upon of hands, what we are really learning about is the depth of God's love. One cannot pray for healing and expect anything without first loving the person being prayed for. Loving deeply and compassionately.

Colossians 3: 12
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

With that deep love and compassion God loves us back by bringing about a quickening, a flowing of the Holy Spirit, a mending of our flaws, that we may grow to love Him even more.

The healing ministry is a loving ministry. No magic, no hype, just love. There is a discipline for learning to love more than one ordinarily would. Jesus showed us the way (as shared in these accounts of Jesus healing) and demonstrated what the depth of His compassion and love yielded. The deeper the love, the greater the ministry. May we all learn to love like Jesus.

# 7 Account of Jesus Healing in Group Settings

Before feeding 4,000

Matthew 15:29-31 (New International Version)

29Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.


Reflection: After the healing of so many, the people praised the God of Israel. Jesus brought about these healings to bring glory to The Father, and the people responded by praising The Father. Healing continues today with praise to The Father. Thank you Jesus.

# 6 Account of Jesus Healing in Group Settings

At Genneserat

Mark 6:53-56 (New International Version)

(Also found in Matthew 14: 34-36)

53When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. 54As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. 55They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Reflection: "They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed." What was this power of Christ, that even the touch of His cloak was healing? We see this same healing in Peter in Acts. Just the touch of His cloak was healing. How wonderful!

Welcome Fargo, New Delhi, Manila, and More

It's so wonderful to see visitors from such far away locations. However it is that you got here, it is nice to see you came.

Our God is an awesome God. Learning that He has healed and continues to heal today is awesome. The power of the Holy Spirit is here for us today as it was when Jesus brought sight to the blind and healing to others who sought His mercy. With faith no bigger than a mustard seed we can call upon the name of Jesus and receive healing.

Aren't these sharings of Christ's healing ministry wonderful to behold? I'm awed when typing them into this blog. Thank you for visiting and please leave a post...wherever you're from. If you need healing prayer, please email me at the address at the top left of this blog.

# 5 Account of Jesus Healing in Group Settings

Matthew 14:13-14 (New International Version)

(Also found in Luke 9: 11)

Prior to Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Reflection: "Jesus had compassion on them and healed their sick." What compelled Jesus to heal them all? Isn't God glorious when we see Him manifested in Christ at that time, in that place? What of today? Do we dare call upon God in the name of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to heal? Do we have the gumption to do it?

# 4 Account of Jesus Healing in Group Settings

Luke 7:18-23 (New International Version)

(Also found in Matthew 11: 2-6)

Following John's Inquiry

18John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

20When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' "

21At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

Reflection: They asked: "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else". They didn't know that God was among them, at that time, in that place. I ask, do we know that the kingdom of God is at hand, in this day and age? Can we rightfully claim the powers that God made manifest in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, in the disciples. Dare we? I think yes.

# 3 Account of Jesus Healing in Group Settings

Mark 3:7-12 (New International Version)

(Also found in Matthew 12: 15-16 and Luke: 6: 17-19)

Crowds Follow Jesus

7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. 9Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. 10For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. 11Whenever the evil spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God." 12But he gave them strict orders not to tell who he was.

Reflection: Why did the evil spirits succumb to Christ's order to not tell who he was? Why did Christ compell them to not speak of Him? Think about it.

#2 Account of Jesus Healing In a Group Setting

After Healing the Leper

Luke 5:15-16 (New International Version)
(This account appears nowhere else)

15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Reflection: Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.

#1 Account of Jesus Healing In a Group Setting

Luke 4:40-41 (New International Version)

(See also: Matthew 8: 16-18 and Mark 1: 32-34)

At Simon Peter's

40When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 41Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ.

Reflection: Why would Jesus not allow the demons to proclaim his name?

It's Vegas Baby - What Did I Expect?

Tuesday through Thursday I was in Las Vegas on business. Long days, long nights, and lots of activity. This disruption to the norm presented a challenge to spend time in prayer. I managed to work in a morning devotional, but the time for other regular prayer time seemed to get lost. We did get some funny looks while asking the blessing for our food at Roxies restaurant in the Stratosphere.

My work involved manning a booth at a pizza convention. Our booth was positioned right next to a wine distributor's. By the end of each day they were having to refuse any more free tastings to a couple of people who managed to get schlocked at all the free beer and wine booths. Then there were the prospects who came to our booth. Most were fine people, cordial in their conversations...but then there were the ones who cussed like sailors. They said "#@#&%@" as naturally as I would say "good morning". I think I managed to sign up a few of them but it's beyond me how. Every time they would cuss I'd have a mental moment where my mind was saying OUCH - STOP THAT! Lord I lead a sheltered life!

What I found to be most uncomfortable was that even the staff at one of those "no prices on the menu" places cussed as a normal part of doing their job. For example, when asking about one of then entrees the waiter said that most of the staff think that the distributor they get it from puts out typically sh** product and he couldn't understand why the chef chooses to buy from them.

When waiting for our 10pm flight back I noticed a woman who seemed to be praying. Of all the people there, she was the only one I saw with her hands folded, eyes shut, and head bowed. In fact, that was the first time on the entire trip where I'd noticed anybody praying. My wife and I got to our seats and nobody was in the seat next to us. As the last few passengers got on board, the praying lady took the seat next to my wife. The three of us couldn't be a better match for the 4 hour flight home. We talked about God, love of family, and the need to sleep. Three-and-a-half hours later, time to wake up and head home. Thank you, Lord, for a great end to a challenging adventure. Amen.

The Other Healing Accounts of Jesus

The previous 26 accounts of Jesus healing addressed the healings performed in individual settings. What follows next are the accounts of Jesus healing in group settings. The first 26 accounts provide great detail of the individuals involved in the healings, including their words and responses to the healings. Also a deeper insight as to the level of faith involved in the individuals healed. What a blessing to have these personal accounts for us to learn from.

We will now look at the works of Jesus in groups. Each account will be covered with one of the Gospel passages highlighted, and the other references to that account listed for further study.

Thank you for following along and I hope that these accounts of Jesus healing brings a blessing to you.

H.O.T.S. - Healing On The Streets

For the past month I've been following the emergent practice of Healing On The Streets as a ministry of this church:

Causeway Coast Vineyard
the Vineyard Centre
12-14 The Diamond
Portstewart
County Londonderry
BT55 7AA


These are bold Christians taking the love of Christ to the streets. Believe it or not, I'm trying to find some streets here in Alabama where we could do the same. Unfortunately, in this "Walmart-Age" there are few quaint shopping areas to find locally for this type of ministry. So, guess I'm going to plead my case to the local Walmart and see if they bite.

Here's a link to follow, complete with testimonies from the healers: http://out-there.org/home.htm

Whether conservative or liberal in one's approach to the love of God, through Jesus Christ, do you have a problem with this type of ministry? I don't...but, duh, this is a blog about healing. But what of YOU?

#26 Account of Jesus Healing - Malchus' Ear

Healing Miracle #26

Luke 22:47-51 (New International Version)

(Note: It is only in Luke that Jesus healed the servant's ear.)

Jesus Arrested

47While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

49When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

1. Who was the person in need? The servant of the high priest.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? Right ear cut off.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Jesus.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? Not mentioned.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? Not mentioned.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? His own desire to heal the man's ear as make a point to his disciples that if they live by the sword they will die by the sword.
   

#25 Account of Jesus Healing - a Blind Beggar

Healing Miracle #25

Luke 18:35-43 (New International Version)

(See also: Matthew 20: 29-34 and Mark 10: 46-52)

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."

38He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41"What do you want me to do for you?"
"Lord, I want to see," he replied.

42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

1. Who was the person in need? The blind beggar.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? The beggar's blindness.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? The beggar by virtue of his calling out the name of Jesus.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? The faith of the beggar moved Jesus to have compassion on him.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? When the beggar was healed he followed Jesus and praised God. Those who witnessed the healing also prised God.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? Jesus asked him "What do you want me to do for you?"
   

# 24 Healing Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #24

Ten Healed of Leprosy

11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy^[a]met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

1. Who was the person in need? You answer.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? You answer.
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? You answer.
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? You answer.
5. What were the reactions to the healing? You answer.
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? You answer.

Postmodern/Emergent Movements-Cause for Careful Introspection

How shall I begin. We attempt to capture the youth of our world and lead them to Christ. In that process we look to other churches that have been successful in this regard and try to mimic their orders of worship etc.. In the end, we're no different than Voodoo worshipers...gazing at the easily hypnotized states brought about by endless repetitions of praise songs, with non-ending drum beats, and repeated phrases. I'm deeply worried. It's Christian hypnotism!

Mind you, I'm a forever learning Christian. I want for others to come to know Christ. But, should we employ the tactics of hypnotists to win the souls for Christ? Should we trick 'em into thinking Jesus is the answer to their problems? Should we structure the order of worship such that after sufficient spellbinding words and music that we then ask for the offering...then give them more to chew on? These are the very tactics utilized in some of these various ministries that come to a city near you, packing the house, selling DVDs and shirts, caps, books, and more...How repulsive! And when their special crusade/event ends, they point those who came to the local franchise (church) so that the lost who have been saved can have a place to go for more of the same.

I share this observation because many in mainstream churches look to other not-so-mainstream churches that are growing by leaps and bounds...and ask why. We may ask, what can we learn from them? I only hope that those engaged in the postmodern/emergent movement find a way to distance themselves from the manipulative practices of those in it only for the money. May we find ways to bring people to Christ...but I pray...with a different motive.

Be careful, as God is watching.

Healed Before Diagnosed With Brain Tumor

This afternoon a friend shared with me something that he saw and later learned even more about...and it's miraculous. He was invited to a healing service about 30 miles from where I live on a recent Wednesday evening. A rather conservative Baptist woman from the community was invited by a friend to come as well. While everyone was gathered together, the healing minister worked his way past several people to get to her. He told her that she had a demon of fear in her and insisted that he pray over her. She layed on the floor and he prayed over her, with others joining in. He commanded in the name of Jesus that the demon of fear leave her. At that moment she coughed. When it was over she wept and told the minister that she had been having nightmares that her husband was going to ask for a divorce. He told her she was healed, and her physical condition would be healed as well. She didn't know what to make about that statement as she wasn't feeling like anything was physically wrong.

A few days later she began experiencing severe headaches and went to the doctor's office. After a battery of tests she was informed that she was nearly deaf in one ear, but worse, she needed to get her "affairs in order" as she was diagnosed with a brain tumor that had no hope of being successfully removed. She was devastated.

Upon hearing this news, this woman went to the friend who had invited her to the healing service and shared what the doctors told her. At that, her friend put her hand on the side of her head and said: "Remember, your physical problems are healed; don't worry about that, but you need to be healed in your relationship with Christ...that's the most important healing you need." A few days later she was hearing and feeling much better and returned to the doctor for an examination...and the tumor was gone! All praise be to God!

This woman is now busy sharing her testimony and the person who told me about it did so with his eyes aglaze, jaw open, and trembling sincerity. Can't you just feel what it must have been like 2000 years ago and people were telling about the miracles of the disciples, spreading the word about Jesus? And with the gift of the Holy Spirit here today, it should be obvious to anyone with eyes to see or ears to hear that God is not out of the miracle business!

#23 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #23

John 11:1-46 (New International Version)

(Found only in John)

The Death of Lazarus

1Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. 3So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."

4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

7Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."

8"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"

9Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. 10It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."

11After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."

12His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." 13Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

16Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

Jesus Comforts the Sisters

17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34"Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.

35Jesus wept.

36Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

37But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?"

Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."

40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"

41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. 46But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

1. Who was the person in need? Lazarus
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? Lazarus was dead.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Mary and Martha.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? Faith was involved to the degree that Jesus wanted his disciples to be able to see and believe. Also that those at the tomb would see and believe.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? Many witnesses believed and followed Jesus as a result. In following versus a plot to kill Jesus develops.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? His own compassion, but more importantly...." but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

#22 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #22

Luke 14:1-6 (New International Version)

(Found only in Luke.)

Jesus at a Pharisee's House

1One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 2There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy. 3Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" 4But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away.

5Then he asked them, "If one of you has a son^[a] or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?" 6And they had nothing to say.

1. Who was the person in need? The man suffering with dropsy.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? The dropsy.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Jesus.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? Jesus demonstrated faith that he could heal the man with dropsy.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? Silence, "And they had nothing to say."
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? To make a point to those watching him closely. To point out the foolishness embraced by living by the letter of the law versus the spirit of love.
   

Compassion-Driven?

Being compassion-driven is something to think about. I'm not talking about the big ways like supporting missions or outreach programs and the sort, but rather, the personal, everyday ways. Do we have a knee-jerk reaction when encountering someone in need of compassion or do we have a knee-jerk response? Reaction being akin to a bad reaction from medication, with response being the desired benefit...how do we act when confronted by one in need of our compassion.

Often times, people who cause us to become compassionate for them aren't necessarily seeking that from us. We observe their state and are moved in our hearts. Beyond being moved in our hearts, we often engage in unsolicited acts of kindness. Isn't it wonderful that God's love can manifest itself in us with nothing more than an observation that the need exists to have a "God moment"? Luke 13: 10-13 illustrates that compassion as Jesus merely noticed a woman afflicted with a crippled state, and with nobody begging or pleading for him to do anything about it, he called her forward and healed her.

What does being Christ-like mean in everyday life? More than a personal, intimate state, what does one's walk with Christ mean to those whom we encounter? Do we find ourselves engaging in random acts of kindness? I think I'm going to look for an opportunity to do just that, today.

#21 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #21

Luke 13:10-17 (New International Version)

(Alluded to in John 7: 21)

A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath

10On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." 13Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

14Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath."

15The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"

17When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

1. Who was the person in need? The crippled woman.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? The crippled state of the woman.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Jesus.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? Faith is not mentioned in this passage.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? The synagogue ruler became indignant regarding Jesus healing on the Sabbath.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? His compassion at seeing her.
   

#20 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #20

Matthew 12:22-29 (New International Version)

(See also: Mark 3: 20-27 and Luke 11: 14-26)

Jesus and Beelzebub

22Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?"

24But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."

25Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

29"Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.

1. Who was the person in need? The blind, dumb and possessed man.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? The condition of the healed man.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? The people who brought the man to Jesus.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? The people who brought the man to Jesus.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? The Pharisees accused Jesus of being of Beelzebub.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? Both the insistance of the crowd and for his own glory - to be able to teach through a parable.
   

#19 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #19

John 9: 1-38 (New International Version)

(Found only in John)

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was.
Others said, "No, he only looks like him."
But he himself insisted, "I am the man."

10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.

11He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."

12"Where is this man?" they asked him.
"I don't know," he said.

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing

13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."

16Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath."
But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided.

17Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened."
The man replied, "He is a prophet."

18The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man's parents. 19"Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?"

20"We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. 21But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. 23That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."

24A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God," they said. "We know this man is a sinner."

25He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

26Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"

27He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"

28Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."

30The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

34To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out.

Spiritual Blindness

35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."

37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."

38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

1. Who was the person in need? The man born blind.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? Blindness... and the need for the disciples to grow in their understanding of the divinity of Jesus.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Jesus.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? It wasn't involved in the healing, but the healing was used to increase faith in Jesus' ministry.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? The Pharisees conducted an investigation and as a result they became divided as to whether Jesus was of God of the devil.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Makes Ya Kinda Say....Hmm....#18 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #18

Mark 9:14-29 (New International Version)

(See also Matthew 17: 14-20 and Luke 9: 37-43.)

The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit

14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.

17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."

19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"

"From childhood," he answered. 22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."

23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil^[a] spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."

26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.

1. Who was the person in need? The epileptic boy.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? Seizures in the boy.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? The boy's father.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? Jesus rebukes the faithlessness of his own disciples. Apparently the father had faith in the disciples to heal his son, but they failed.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? The disciples ask why they could not cast out the demon.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? The failure of his disciples to do so.

It's hard to let this one go without commenting more. In this passage I see Jesus expressing disgust at the lack of faith of those involved and in his own disciples. The Matthew account of this drives the point home further saying that if his own disciples had faith even the size of a mustard seed they could move mountains.

Is "faith" akin to self-confidence? Think about it. Jesus empowered his disciples to cast out demons and heal the sick but when they encountered one with epilepsy they failed to heal him. He rebukes their faithlessness. Or, does he rebuke the faithlessness of the boy's father, who exclaimed: "...help me overcome my unbelief"?

So, is it the faith of those seeking healing that empowers the healer, or the faith of the healer that brings the healing....or both? Or, is it just that with some situations, it requires prayer (and fasting, according to many manuscripts)?

#17 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #17

Mark 8:22-26 (New International Version)

(This account is only found in Mark.)

The Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida

22They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?"

24He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around."

25Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village".

1. Who was the person in need? The blind man.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? Blindness.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? The people who brought the blind man to Jesus.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? The people who brought the man.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? Not mentioned.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? His compassion brought about by the pleadings of the people who brought the blind man for healing.
   

# 16 Healing Account of Jesus Healing....aww...So Wonderful!

Healing Miracle #16
(Note: Questions apply)

Mark 7:31-37 (New International Version)

(This only appears in Mark)

The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man

31Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.

33After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. 34He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!" ). 35At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

36Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

1. Who was the person in need? The deaf mute.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? To bring a healing to the deaf mute.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Jesus Christ, Himself.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? The people who brought the afflicted to Christ.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? The witnesses told of Christ's miraculous healing far and wide.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? The begging of the people who brought the deaf-mute to Him. The people sought His healing...Amen.
   

To Overseas Visitors

God has richly blessed me with visitors to this blog from overseas. By that I mention, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Singapore, China, South America, Australia (not to mention New Zealand), the Phillipines, Kiev, Finland, and...yes, even Africa (did I leave anyone out....oh...Iceland!) Thank you for your sharing in God's word for the world. His word of Healing! Yes, He heals even today.

Thank you for visiting and reading, and your emails, and thank you for your work in Christ. Glory to God, and Bless You.
Amen.
Brother Marty

Psst...How Many Sermons are Based Upon the #15 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #15
(Note: Questions at the bottom do not always fit every gospel passage.)

Matthew 15:21-28 (New International Version)

Daughter of the Canaanite Woman

(Also found in Mark: 24-30)

21Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."

23Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."

24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

25The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.

26He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

27"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

28Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

1. Who was the person in need? The child of the Canaanite woman.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? Demon possession.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? The woman, expressing her faith.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? The Canaanite woman had faith.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? None noted, but it is in the Gospels.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? Her overwhelming faith, expressed by her words about even a dog deserving scraps.
   

Comments Welcome - The Accounts of Jesus Healing

I'm curious...is anyone challenged by these posted accounts of Jesus healing? Regardless, it is my discipline to post them. But, I challenge anyone who reads them to ask the questions, and reflect upon the answers that come from your reflections, and share.

I've started answering the questions for myself. If you have a different perspective, please share. God is glorious in these Gospel accounts of Christ's healing mininstry. Heck, most of our roots as Christians harken back to them. Share your perspective, if you will.

I'll continue to answer the questions from my own perspective. Lack of comments will tell me that my answers are always the best answers (what a terrible thought!). So, if you read, please respond.

Thanks!
Brother Marty

# 14 Account of Jesus Healing - Answer the Questions if You Wish

Healing Miracle #14
(Note: Questions at the bottom do not always fit every gospel passage.)

Matthew 9:32-34 (New International Version)

(Found only in Matthew)

The Mute Man

32While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. 33And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."

34But the Pharisees said, "It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons."

1. Who was the person in need? The mute man.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? The man being mute.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Jesus alone.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? Faith wasn't demonstrated in this healing.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? The people witnessing this were amazed.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? Deep question. One can only guess to Christ's purpose. Perhaps to demonstrate the power of God, in Him, for all to be in wonder of and desirous of learning more. The statements of the Pharisees is the fodder for much of the other Gospel accounts of Jesus' dealings with them. In retrospect, perhaps the healing was for the benefit of the Pharisees.
   

There's a New Guy in Town

Eight days ago we held a healing service in our church. Eight days ago, 10 people's lives were changed. Eight days ago, the very presence of the Holy Spirit was in a little church, in a little town, but in a big way!

One man was specially touched by the presence of God amongst us. One man, as a result of that night, is the "new guy in town". Praise God! I saw him today for the first time since the service and his face was aglow...filled with glory.

I've shared in previous posts that I never, ever ask if anyone experiences a physical healing in the services (who am I to give God a report card?). But I've learned that his testimony Sunday in his home church spoke to a spiritual healing. Spoke powerfully. And this morning when I saw him, I was blessed for the day by his demeanor and loving expression. Again...praise God.

Word may make it my way as to his medical state (he suffers from prostate cancer and lung disease), but I shall not solicit it. God works as He sees fit, and if spiritual renewal is the healing that was delivered...and nothing else...praise God! He does work in mysterioius ways...doesn't He?

Oh...I forgot to mention that the other new guy in town (really, new to the area) came to the service to help in the intercession for all. OK...so there's two new guys in town, but I like the story about the old/new guy more.

Can't say it enough....Praise God!

Afraid of The Holy Ghost

In all candor, I ask: Is the Holy Spirit alive and well in our churches today? Do we even make room for It in our worship? Bishop Will Willimon recently quipped that we organize our worship such that we "use Robert's Rules of Order to keep the church safe from the Holy Spirit." Is every moment of worship so tightly bound to the next that there's no room for the very presence of God?

Do we, in our order of worship, ever ask God to be present, then quietly await His response to the invitation? In our personal prayer lives, do we ask God to be with us, then quietly await His response to our invitation? Why are we so uncomfortable with quietly waiting?

All leaders, whether Sunday school teachers or preachers, should budget the time and stillness to listen for the response to the invitation given for God to grace us with His presence. It is in the quietness that hearts are changed, eyes are opened, and true worship begins.

Frankly, I believe people are afraid of the Holy Spirit. We are afraid of handing over control. We are afraid that spirit may override intellect. We're afraid that something unanticipated may occur. We're afraid of ghosts....even the Holy Ghost!

When Jesus left his disciples he told them not to worry because he would send them the Great Comforter, and through the Holy Spirit they would do things even greater than He. Too many of us unwittingly believe that the Holy Spirit died with the apostles. If not, then why aren't we opening up the doors of our churches and our hearts and saying..."C'mon in"?

Holy Spirit...c'mon in.

#13 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #13

Matthew 9:27-31 (New International Version)

(This healing account is only found in Matthew)

Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"

28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
"Yes, Lord," they replied.

29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; 30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." 31But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

1. Who was the person in need? The two blind men.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? Blindness.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? The two blind men' pleadings.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? The faith of the blind men.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? Although told not to, the blind men told everyone.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? Compassion?
   

Does Your Church Have an Evangelism Committee?

Out of curiosity, I'm wondering if any of the churches represented here, at the Methoblog, have a committee on evangelism. Do they report to your administrative council meetings with the latest they've been doing? Please tell.
Marty

#12 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #12

Matthew 9: 18-19, 23-26 (New International Version)

(See also Mark 5: 21-24, 35-43 and Luke 8:40-42, 49-56)

18While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." 19Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

23When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. 25After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26News of this spread through all that region.

1. Who was the person in need? Jairus' dying/deceased daughter.
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? The daughter's dying condition.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? Jairus, the father.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? Jairus' faith.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? News of this spread through the region.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? The faith of Jairus.
   

#11 Account of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #11
(Note: Questions at the bottom do not always fit every gospel passage.)

Luke 8:42-48 (New International Version)

(See also: Matthew 9: 20-22 and Mark 5: 24b-34)

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

45"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."

46But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."

47Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

1. Who was the person in need? The woman with the issue of blood
   
2. What was the immediate, obvious need? The incurable issue of blood.
   
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing? The woman.
   
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing? The woman's faith healed her.
   
5. What were the reactions to the healing? Not mentioned.
   
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need? Her faith.
   

#9 and #10 Accounts of Jesus Healing

Healing Miracle #9
(Note: Questions at the bottom do not always fit every gospel passage.)

Luke 7:11-17 (New International Version)

(This healing account only appears in Luke)

Jesus Raises a Widow's Son

11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."

14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

1. Who was the person in need?
2. What was the immediate, obvious need?
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing?
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing?
5. What were the reactions to the healing?
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need?

Healing Miracle #10

Mark 5:1-20 (New International Version)

Mark 5

(See also: Matthew 8: 28-34 and Luke 8:26-39)

The Healing of a Demon-possessed Man

1They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil^[b] spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. 4For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"

9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"

"My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." 10And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." 13He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

14Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

1. Who was the person in need?
2. What was the immediate, obvious need?
3. Who took the initiative in effecting the healing?
4. How and by whom was faith involved in this healing?
5. What were the reactions to the healing?
6. What led Jesus to minister healing to the person in need?