The physician of the New Testament, the Son of God, Jesus came into the midst of those afflicted with diseased bodies and minds. Wherever Jesus went, those who wanted to regain their lost health gathered around him.
Those who could not see because of blindness, those who could not hear because of deafness, those who could not walk because their legs had no influence, lepers, those suffering from fever… all these went to Jesus. What was Jesus’ response? ‘Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.’ (Matthew 9:36).
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
Matthew 4:23, 24
Jesus said: ‘I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10). Having said this, Jesus has promised to give a man everything he needs. Is it good health that is needed? Is it energy that is needed? Is it peace of mind that is needed? Jesus says: ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28).
But when Jesus heals, there are some conditions attached to it – sin no more (John 8:11). They must turn to God and repent. Jesus does not change. If Jesus cast out demons and healed the sick two thousand years ago, He continues to do so even today. Let us turn to Jesus for abundant life and health. Let us obey the words given by Jesus. Healing from Jesus is associated with obedience to God’s word, faith and prayer. Jesus’ response is remarkable when the disciples failed to heal a child possessed by an unclean spirit. Jesus said that only through prayer and fasting will these kinds of spirits go away. Jesus is rebuking the disciples’ lack of faith. Jesus also pointed out the power of prayer. Everyday, early in the morning, Jesus went to a lonely place and prayed. It was by the power gathered from God the Father, through prayer, that Jesus cast out demons and did healing ministry.
But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Matthew 12:28
Jesus pictured his healing ministry as the coming of the kingdom of God. The Pharisees even asked Jesus if he was casting out demons with Beelzebub, the king of demons. It was as a proof that the kingdom of God has come that Jesus gave healing and cast out demons. We can desire the kingdom of God. By obeying the laws of the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus introduced, healing will come naturally.