Healing To Wholeness

Introduction:

God allows difficulties in our lives to cause us to turn to Him. He is always there to meet our needs for healing, deliverance and success. However, He desires beyond these felt needs that our greater need for wholeness be met. This story traces the path from healing to wholeness.

I Coming to Jesus vv. 11-13

i) Jesus traveled: He was on the border of Samaria and Galilee. He came to the lost sheep of Israel but ministered to those outside the covenant too.

ii) Need for healing brought the lepers to Jesus: Our felt needs bring us to Jesus. They had heard the gospel that Jesus heals. They called out in a loud voice; they were serious about their need.

iii) Leprosy like sin: It causes us to be separated from God. It makes us unclean. We cannot come close to God. We have nothing good in ourselves to approach God we must plead for His mercy.

II Cleansing from Jesus v 14

i) Jesus saw them: Even though they were far off, Jesus saw them. He sees us even when we are far away from Him, e.g. Father of prodigal son.

ii) Jesus instructed them: He doesn’t say that you will be healed but he told them to go the priest.

iii) Obedience leads to the miracle: It may have been hard for them to obey Jesus. Perhaps they would want evidence for healing but they went and were healed. Namaan the Syrian (2Ki 5) did not like Elisha’s command to dip 7 times in the Jordan but in obeying he was healed. At Cana: do whatever He says; 5 Loaves, 2 fish: go distribute; Blind Man: go wash in the pool of Siloam.

III Clinging to Jesus vv. 15-16

i) One showed gratitude: He came back praising God in a loud voice. He was a Samaritan, half-caste and despised by the Jews. Warning to second generation Christians, familiarity breeds contempt. We need to learn to show gratitude.

ii) He fell at Jesus feet: Revelation of God’s glory leads to humility, recognition of our unworthiness. Falling at Jesus feet leads to resurrection miracle Jairus (Mar 5:22), Mary (Joh 11:32).

IV Completion from Jesus

i) Jesus three questions: 1) Were not 10 cleansed? Jesus knows exactly whom he has touched. We are accountable for our blessings. Jesus healing record: 10 on 10. 2) Where are the other nine? He does not want any to perish. He is looking for each soul. 3) Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? We need to live as aliens and strangers in this world (1Pe 2:11).

ii) Your faith has made you well: Well = sozo Greek for saved, more than just cleansed. Faith evidenced in thanking God and falling at Jesus feet. 10 cured of physical disease, only 1 cured of both physical and spiritual disease; 10 had felt need meant, only 1 had real need met; 10 got what they wanted, only 1 got what God wanted; 10 got healed, only 1was made whole.

Conclusion:

What do you want today? A pill to take away the symptom or the cure to rid you of the disease? Jesus wants you to be whole. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless (1Th 5:23). Will you come and fall at His feet? Your faith will make you whole.