Healing is Possible for You!

Jesus healed so many times and in so many circumstances. We can renew our hope as we see how he worked. Whatever we are suffering from he has the power to heal us. Pay attention to this story.

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”

Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

Mark 1:40–45 (ESV)

Elements of the story

The Leper broke the Old Testament law by approaching Jesus. Wherever Jesus went, it seemed that people ignored the traditions and norms of society. They were desperate to get close to Jesus. They were also filled with hope and faith that somehow their lives would be changed if they got close to him and could get his attention.

He begged Jesus from his knees, showing not only his desperation but his humility and submission. His request expressed true faith: “If you will, you can…” The word ‘can’ here is from the Greek dunamis – power.

Jesus’ emotions were raw and powerful as they often were. Various translations describe what he is felling as compassion, anger, indignance, or pity. Jesus was moved by the man’s condition and even angry about the fact of this man’s suffering.

Jesus then broke the rules by touching the man! As a leper this man was never touched. He was considered unclean and was required to stay away from people. He may have even been repulsive to look at. We cannot begin to imagine how he felt when Jesus touched him. With that touch and a word, he healed him, completely and immediately.

Interestingly, Jesus warned the man not to tell what he had done for him but to instead go and offer the sacrifice of cleansing required by the law.

Instead, the man widely spread the news! How could he help it? The transformation of this man was so radical that crowds formed around Jesus wherever he went. In this cities, it was even worse so he stayed in the countryside.

Lessons from the story

1. Jesus has the power to heal. No matter what you are suffering from, he is able to touch and heal you. Healing is not impossible. Embracing that reality is important for you to experience healing.
2. He is willing. All human infirmity is the result of the curse on creation that was caused by the first sin. God desires the perfection of his creation but his integrity allows for the free will of man to be expressed, so sin continues – along with its curse.
3. When he displays his power, we need to spread the news. When you are touched by the power of God, when he transforms your life, you need to share it. People are sure to see a transformed life. Are we willing to give the glory to God?
4. When people hear about the power of God, they want to experience it! Since there is such a need in the world for a compassionate and powerful touch from God, people always flock to experience it for themselves.
5. Healing is available for you and for those you love. Persistent prayer may be required and your faith may be tested but continue to seek for God’s healing touch.

Today

Ask for healing, if you need it. Keep your faith strong. And then tell someone what he did for you.