Healing and Wholeness: Embracing the Transformative Power of the Gospel
Today, we delve into a profound theme that speaks to the very heart of Jesus' mission and ministry: healing and wholeness.
Our scripture foundation comes from two key passages: Luke 4:18-19 and Psalm 147:3.
Luke 4:18-19 (NLT): “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”
Psalm 147:3 (NLT): “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
These scriptures encapsulate the transformative power of the Gospel and God’s desire to bring complete restoration to our lives.
We will explore four key aspects of this divine mission: the anointing of the Spirit, the mission of Jesus, the proclamation of God’s favour, and the role of faith in healing.
1. The Anointing of the Spirit: Empowered for Healing and Wholeness
Jesus begins His mission declaration by affirming, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me."
This anointing signifies divine empowerment for the mission of bringing healing and wholeness to a broken world.
In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil, symbolising the Holy Spirit's presence and power. Here, Jesus declares Himself as the anointed One, the Messiah.
Acts 10:38 (NLT) reinforces this: "And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."
Jesus' ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, brought about miraculous healings and deliverance, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the broken hearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”
Just as Jesus was anointed for His mission, we too are called and empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring hope, healing, and freedom to a world in need.
Imagine an old oil lamp - without oil it cannot shine. In the same way, without the Holy Spirit’s anointing, we cannot shine the light of Christ in this dark world.
Let us be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil our God-given mission.
2. The Mission of Jesus: Bringing Comprehensive Healing
Jesus outlines His mission in Luke 4:18-19: "to bring Good News to the poor... to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free."
His mission is comprehensive, addressing physical, spiritual, and social needs.
Matthew 11:5 (NLT) summarises the impact of Jesus’ ministry: "The blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor."
Jesus' mission was not limited to physical healing but extended to liberating those bound by sin and injustice.
John 8:36 (NLT) declares, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free."
We are called to continue Jesus' mission by bringing the Good News to the spiritually poor, working for justice, and ministering healing.
Psalm 147:3 (NLT) assures us of God's healing power: "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."
Just as Jesus healed the brokenhearted in biblical times, He is ready to heal our hearts today.
Consider the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor who found healing through her faith in Jesus and was able to forgive her captors. Her life is a testimony to the healing power of God.
3. The Proclamation of God’s Favour: Living in the Light of Grace
Jesus concludes His mission statement with, "and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come."
This refers to the year of Jubilee in the Old Testament (Leviticus 25), a time of liberation, restoration, and rest. Jesus declares a spiritual Jubilee — God's grace and favour are now available through Him.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT) emphasizes the urgency of this message: "For God says, 'At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.' Indeed, the 'right time' is now. Today is the day of salvation."
We live in the time of God’s favour, where grace and salvation are available to all. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) reminds us, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God."
Embrace this favour, live in the joy and freedom it brings, and share this Good News with others.
Maybe you have read the book or seen the movie ‘The Cross and the Switchblade’ which details the life of Nicky Cruz, a former gang leader transformed by the love of Christ.
His story is just one example of how Jesus can bring spiritual wholeness and changes lives radically.
4. The Role of Faith in Healing: Trusting in God's Power
Faith is a critical component in receiving God's healing. Matthew 9:22 (NLT) records Jesus' words to the woman who had been suffering for twelve years: "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well."
The woman’s faith in Jesus' power to heal led her to touch His cloak, and she was instantly healed.
The Greek word for "well" in this verse is "sozo," which means to save, heal, or deliver. This word encompasses not only physical healing but also spiritual salvation and deliverance.
Jesus acknowledges her faith as the key to her healing.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) defines faith as "the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see."
Our faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
We must believe in God's power to heal even when we don't see immediate results.
Trusting in His promises and His timing is crucial.
Consider the ministry of Smith Wigglesworth, a man of great faith who witnessed numerous miraculous healings. His unwavering belief in God's healing power is an inspiration for us to deepen our faith.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
In conclusion, we are transformed by the truth of Jesus' mission and message.
As we embrace the anointing of the Spirit, participate in His mission, live in the light of God’s favour, and trust in His healing power through faith, our lives will reflect His glory.
This week, think about God’s promises of healing and wholeness.
Pray for those who need His touch and seek opportunities to be a conduit of His healing love.
If you are in need of prayer for healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual — I invite you to come forward now. Our prayer team is here to pray with you and seek God’s healing together.
Remember, God is faithful, and His desire is to make us whole in every area of our lives. Amen.
