Jesus Teaches Healing
Stop.
Close your eyes and calm your mind. Picture God’s healing as powerful light. Envision it going to anyone who needs it – including you. Sit with this image for a minute.
Listen.
After leaving the synagogue [Jesus] entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. – Luke 4:38-39
Reflect.
Between last week’s preaching text (Luke 4:14-30) and tomorrow’s text (Luke 5:1-11) there are a few stories that connect to our worship theme “Meeting Jesus. We’ve talked about Jesus’ authority in teaching and casting out demons. Today, we hear about his power for healing.
Jesus action in healing shouldn’t be a surprise to you. While this is the first story of physical healing we hear in Luke’s gospel, many believers are well-acquainted with the many stories of Jesus’ acts of healing. Typically, it’s the first and largest prayer request in any faith community: that Jesus would heal the sick and injured.
That Jesus spent so much of his ministry healing tells us so much about God’s will for our lives. First, it reminds us that our physical bodies are beautifully and joyfully made. God desires wholeness for these amazing creations. Secondly, it shows that Jesus acts together with the Creator to bring that wholeness to all creation. Finally, Jesus’ power in healing makes real God’s promise to protect, defend, and save us in tangible ways.
When we pray for healing, we give the work over to God. Whatever happens, we have confidence in our Savior’s desire to save us from suffering in this life and the next.
Pray.
God, you know my every hurt and ache. Heal me in Jesus’ name. Even more, heal all those whose suffering is known to you. Bring the wholeness that only you can provide. Amen.
Carry On.
When you hear names prayed for during worship tomorrow, don’t let them pass you by. Focus in. Ask for God to truly give them what they need for wellness.