As humans, we like to figure out how things work. Many times we just want to be told how to do something and if it works, that becomes the way we do it. While there are some things Jesus did on more than one account, he was not formulaic in how he ministered. We train ourselves to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit, so when he speaks and asks us to do something out of the ordinary, we are ready to be obedient. That seemingly strange thing you are being asked to say or do may be very personal to the person you are ministering to and just the thing they need for their breakthrough.
Jesus didn’t always heal the same way. He took time to see, hear, and do what his Father did. Jesus is our best example. Here are a few things we learn through studying his ministry:
When Jesus healed the invalid at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, the Jews were angry. They had no joy over a man being healed but were more interested in Jesus following the Sabbath law. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” (John 5:17). He then went on to say: “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.” (John 5:19-20). As Jesus moved in sync with his Father, he healed in many ways:
- He laid his hands on people, but sometimes he simply spoke.
- He gave people directives and they were healed as they obeyed.
- He made it clear that faith was a part of healing as was the forgiveness of sins. All of it pointed to His Heavenly Father.
Some of Jesus healing miracles:
- A leper was healed by the laying on of hands
- Paralytic was healed when Jesus recognized the faith of his friends and through the forgiveness of his sins
- Jesus healed a man’s withered hand by asking him to stretch it out
- Through faith, Jesus declared the Centurion’s daughter healed
- Jesus spoke and raised a widow’s son from dead
- Bleeding woman touched Jesus robe – he didn’t do anything
- 10 lepers were healed as they went
- Invalid-told him to get up
- Healed a blind man with mud made from dirt and spit
The thing Jesus demonstrated so well was his love and compassion for the sick. He was in such clear communication with God the Father that he was always aligned with him in timing and purpose. When Jesus healed people, it pointed to the Father and people believed. When it was time, Jesus sent his disciples on their own to heal and deliver, then sent many others. As we spend time listening and praying today, may the Lord put an even greater desire to see people healed.
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit who he is highlighting for you to pray for healing today. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct how he wants you to pray. Follow his leading.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, Thank you that you reveal God’s purposes and direction for us. Thank you that you still heal today. Jesus, I want to live my life like you. I want to point people to you, Jesus, that they too would believe in you. Use me to bring healing to others physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I ask that you fine tune my ear to your voice, my sight to your purposes, and help me to align myself with what you are doing. I pray that I will be quick to obey as you lead. Jesus, you said that if I ask anything in your name, you will do it. Show me how to use the power and authority you have given me in your name. Amen
Resource: Bible Verses on Being Guided by the Holy Spirit
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-13)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
Worship Song:
“Spirit Lead Me” by Influence Worship and Michael Ketterer