The Freedom Place
The Images of Christ
Topic: Jesus the Healer
Text: Matthew 8:14-17 emphasis on verse 17 “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”
Introduction
We have a God who identifies with us in all ways, yet without sin. Jesus Christ, our One and Only True Redeemer has taken our infirmities. The word infirmity has different definitions. The Greek term is “astheneia” which means “ to be without strength” or “to be weak.” It could be defined as; feebleness of mind or body, malady, frailty, morally, disease. Therefore an infirmity could be defined as sickness or bodily disease, imperfections or weaknesses of the body, moral or spiritual weakness and defects.
Romans 15:1 says the strong ones should bear the infirmities of the weak. It means, those who are strong in faith and ability should patiently tolerate and support those who are struggling with their faith, doubts, or weaknesses.” Those who are strong are encouraged to prioritize the needs of the ‘weak’ rather their own desires.
Jesus Christ laid hold of and removed our weaknesses and carried the weight of our infirmities by enduring the death on the cross.
In Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah’s mission which He, Jesus confirmed in the Luke 4:18-20; the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ, which is a very prominent theme in the New Testament, reveals the power of God to heal physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
Jesus healed a wide range of sicknesses and infirmities. He healed blindness, paralysis, deafness, leprosy, cast out demons, raised the dead etc.
All of these were driven by His compassion for the lost, rejected, distressed and afflicted.
Jesus Christ did not want to be the Super Star by keeping it all to Himself but He showed His disciples how it is done and gave us what to expect as believers, in Mark 16:17-18; Matthew 10:8
The signs truly followed the disciples in their ministries Acts 5:12-16; Acts 8:6-7
Does Jesus Christ still heal today?
Hebrews 13:8
The healing ministry of Jesus Christ is as active today as it was in the past. It’s even okay to say that it is as effective as it was while Jesus walked on the earth and even greater, because Jesus said in John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”
Jesus never changes. Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; He has given us the authority to heal.
How does healing take place today?
1. Miraculous healings: by divine intervention and laying on of hands: James 5:14-16
2. By Medical and natural healing: God gives wisdom through modern medicine to treat a wide range of ailments; from medications to surgery. Col. 4:14 (Luke the beloved physician), 1 Timothy :23; herbal medicine, Revelation 22:2; Ezekiel 47:12; the body also has its own natural mechanisms, tissue repair, immune system and inflammation
3. Spiritual and Emotional Healing: faith and prayer can bring healing, addressing past traumas through counseling and deliverance: Psalm 147:3 “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” Proverbs 11:14
4. Fasting: intermittent fasting has been shown to reverse some diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, asthma etc. Isaiah 58:6
5. Other Approaches: Self care, Bible Meditation, faith declarations, and having a great support system -isolation can kill faster than anything. Proverbs 4:20-22; Mark 2:1-5; Proverbs 27:17 says, iron sharpens iron. Jonathan was a faithful friend to David.