Healing was central to the ministry of Jesus. Everywhere He went, He demonstrated the Kingdom of God by restoring broken bodies, renewing minds, and reconciling people to the Father. His healings weren’t side miracles; they were signs of the inbreaking reign of God.
And the good news is this: that ministry did not stop when Jesus ascended. He commissioned His followers to carry it on in His name and power. The same Spirit that anointed Jesus for healing rests upon His people today.
1. Healing as a Sign of the Kingdom
Jesus proclaimed: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor… recovery of sight to the blind… to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18).
Every healing Jesus performed was a signpost of God’s Kingdom—where sickness, oppression, and death will ultimately have no place.
Biblical Illustration:
-
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11), He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Lazarus’ healing pointed beyond itself to the eternal reality of the Kingdom.
“Healing is not only compassion—it is proclamation that the Kingdom of God is here.”
2. Jesus’ Compassion in Healing
Healing was never detached from the heart of Christ. He healed because He loved. Matthew 14:14 says: “When He went ashore, He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
Healing reveals the Father’s heart—it is not about showmanship but about restoring dignity, hope, and wholeness.
3. Healing Entrusted to the Church
After His resurrection, Jesus said: “These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name… they will place their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17–18).
The book of Acts demonstrates this:
-
Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3).
-
Paul prayed for the sick and saw them restored (Acts 19).
-
Healing became a mark of the Spirit-filled church.
Healing ministry is not optional—it is part of the Great Commission.
4. The Role of Faith in Healing
Faith is not a formula but an open hand that receives from God. Jesus often said, “Your faith has made you well.” (Mark 5:34).
Faith positions us to agree with God’s promises. It doesn’t manipulate God but aligns us with His will and Word.
Illustration: The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd, believing that even touching Jesus’ garment would bring healing (Mark 5:25–34). Her faith made a demand on His power, and she was instantly healed.
5. Obstacles to Healing
Many believers struggle with questions about healing:
-
Why are some healed and others not?
-
What if I pray and nothing happens?
-
Does God still heal today?
Scripture reminds us:
-
God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9).
-
Healing sometimes comes instantly, sometimes progressively, and sometimes ultimately in eternity.
-
Our call is to pray with bold faith, leaving the outcome to God.
6. Healing as a Witness to the World
When healing occurs, it testifies that Jesus is alive and active today. Healing opens hearts to the Gospel because it demonstrates God’s power in tangible ways.
Example: In Acts 9:32–35, Peter healed Aeneas, and the result was that “all those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” Healing led to widespread conversion.
7. Practical Ways to Step into Healing Ministry
-
Pray for the Sick Boldly – Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Begin with faith.
-
Lay Hands on People – A biblical practice of imparting healing (Mark 16:18).
-
Speak the Word of God – Healing flows through agreement with Scripture.
-
Combine Compassion with Authority – Minister as Jesus did: with both love and power.
-
Testify of God’s Healing – Sharing stories builds faith in others.
Summary
The healing ministry of Jesus continues today through His Spirit-empowered church. Healing is a sign of the Kingdom, a witness to the world, and an expression of God’s love. As believers, we are called to step into this ministry with faith, compassion, and boldness.
Key Points
-
Healing is a sign of God’s Kingdom breaking into our world.
-
The same Spirit that anointed Jesus empowers the church today.
-
Healing ministry is both a witness to the world and a demonstration of God’s love.
Engaging Question
How might God be calling you to step out in faith and minister healing to someone this week?
