Heal Me, Lord!

HEAL ME LORD!

MATT 8:16-17

Sunpm 01/20/02

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

Three people who requested healing: The man with leprosy – The centurion’s servant – Peter’s mother in law –

Healing is an integral part of the atonement! It is an act of the grace, mercy, and power of God! Whenever you see healing it is a result of God’s power and His design!

I. THE LEPER:

Verse 2 - A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." 3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

A. Leprosy was a incurable, fatal skin disease – very contagious – and very common in Jesus’ day.

1. Jesus healed many of leprosy –

a. Lepers were declared unclean – not permitted to socialize – in quarantine. Leper colonies were a place where the infected went to die.

B. Listen to the man’s request: “If you are willing, you can make me clean!”

1. The man had faith in Jesus power, not the confidence in His willingness.

a. Great teachers had developed an kind of aura about them that suggested that they could grant or not grant wishes upon people according to their whims.

b. The leper was hoping to find the master in a willing mood!

c. Jesus isn’t moody! He doesn’t move when HE feels like it! He moves according to the divine will of God! He moves when God gets the glory, and when people will be convinced of His power and love!

Summary: Jesus said – “I am willing!” It is part of the atoning work of the cross that people get healed! Of course He willing – According to God’s timing and divine providence!

II. THE CENTURION:

Verse 5 - a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." 7 Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." 8 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ’Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ’Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ’Do this,’ and he does it." 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

A. Understood healing best – Healing is the result of God’s rule and authority!

1. Centurion knew the “word alone” was enough because he understood authorities!

a. The need was worthy – The centurion was worthy – the servant was worthy.

b. But in the mind of the centurion, it was necessary that Jesus come because he had faith in Jesus relationship with the Father!

c. The servant was healed!

III. PETER’S MOTHER IN LAW:

Verse 14 - When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

A. Sick with a fever:

1. Jesus touched her – she was healed and she ministered!

Summary: We have all been healed! Let’s minister!