Pt. 5 Why Does God Heal Series

Introduction:

A Why does God heal?

1 Because of His mercy, covenant, Word, & in response to faith. (We’ve learned that much this far.)

a Sometimes He heals for less dramatic reasons (ie. Capernaum man w/ withered hand)

b Capernaum was Simon Peter’s hometown (Seen foundation of Peter’s house)

aa Peter’s mother-in-law lived in the home with Peter & his wife.

bb While in Capernaum, Jesus & his disciples went to synagogue and cast a demon out of a man in a dramatic/amazing moment!

I Jesus healed to release service

A 23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,24 saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!"25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"26 Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.27 They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Mark 1:23-27 (NASB)

1 So much for Peter being celibate, unmarried.

a Imagine a possessed man standing up in our service (screaming/disrupting), how would you respond? (Expect from deacons, pastors)

b Jesus responded with seven words spoken “with authortiy.”

aa Afterwards, Jesus went home with Peter.

bb Sabbath, meal was prepared day before. (Wrapped a certain way to keep warm/no fires started on Sabbath)

cc Everybody was expecting to eat.

3 Peter’s MIL is sick (fever) when the Lord arrives (Mark 1.30-31).

30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke* to Jesus about her.31 And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them. Mark 1:30-31 (NASB)

a Notice the setting for the miracle was in the home: no particular setting was needed.

aa In this case, Jesus takes her by the hand & helps her sit up.

bb No word/faith is mentioned; Jesus just helps her sit up.

cc Jesus’ compassionate touch released healing & immediately the fever left her.

b She got up and went & served the meal she prepped the day before!

aa Serve (diakonos) means through the dust.

bb Move so quickly kicking up dust!

B St. Mark mentioned for all of eternity that she was healed to get back into action!

1 Her sickness kept her out of ministry, from serving, showing hospitality.

a In Jewish protocol it was a woman’s duty/purpose/calling to show hospitality.

b Her sickness prevented her from fulfilling her service she wanted to give Jesus & her healing released her to serve!

2 In our service unto the Lord (great or small) we can ask for healing in order to rise and serve our Master.

a I think there is a lesson for the church!

b Our churches have grown sick while a hungry world awaits what we have prepared that they so desperately need.

II Jesus Healed to Restore Life

A Leprosy was the cancer/AIDS of Jesus’ day. (Slow killer)

1 This disease slowly consumed the flesh, fingers fell off, crippled. (Society cut off/incurable).

a 40 And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."41 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said* to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.43 And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away,44 and He 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, as a testimony to them."45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere. Mark 1:40-45 (NASB)

b Jesus cures incurable diseases!

2 This man with leprosy has no shame, no pride! Crawling on his knees, begging for healing!

a For those who spurn outward expressions of ministry (laying on of hands, anointing oil, being slain in the Spirit, kneeling, and weeping loudly) should be very careful!

b Perhaps they have never stared disease and painful death in the face!

aa Use the whole bottle of oil!

bb Pray in every way you know how!

B The man’s cry caused Jesus to be “moved with compassion.” (Something inside this man pulled out Jesus’ innermost being!)

1 v.40, “If you are willing, You can make me clean.”