Christ as Healer
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Key Verse: “He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.” Selected Scripture: |
IN THE VERSES OF TODAY’S lesson, two specific miracles are cited: first, the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:29-31), and second, the cleansing of a leper. (vss. 40-42) In addition to this, however, countless other healings are mentioned, “They brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils … And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils … And they came to him from every quarter.”—vss. 32,34,45
Having healed throughout the day, even well into the night, Jesus found that the only opportunity for solitude was in the hours after midnight, when everyone else had finally retired to their places of abode. “In the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” (vs. 35) Jesus was truly a great example of taking advantage of every moment of solitude to commune with his Father in heaven, an example we do well to imitate. His closest disciples, though, followed after him, realizing he was probably physically exhausted, and said, “All men seek for thee.” (vs. 37) Although the scriptural account does not say so specifically, implied in the words of the disciples seems to be the suggestion that Jesus avoid the constant pressing of the people as they came to him in throngs to hear his preaching and to be healed. He answered them, however, saying, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.”—vs. 38
How we should marvel at our Lord’s response to the disciples! He was not only pleased to have been able to do these things, but his desire was to continue to preach, teach, and heal, for this was his mission. The example to us is clear—“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” (Eccles. 9:10) We are to be “zealous of good works.” (Tit. 2:14) Truly we should be able to say as Jesus said, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”—John 4:34
The healing work of Jesus at his First Advent was only temporary. All those whom he healed still died as a result of original Adamic sin and its resulting penalty. However, these works were illustrative of the greater, and permanent, healing which will take place in Christ’s coming kingdom. This healing will not just be of the physical kind, but will also include man’s mind, his thoughts, even his heart. All mankind has been diseased to a greater or lesser extent by the results of sin which have been passed down from generation to generation. All these mental, moral, and physical sicknesses will be dealt with and healed by the Great Physician in that kingdom soon to come. Then, “the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.”—Isa. 33:24
Let us meditate upon these words of the prophets, as they foretell the many aspects of the greater healing work to come. “I have seen his [man’s] ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.” “I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds.” “The Sun of righteousness [will] arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”—Isa. 57:18,19; Jer. 30:17; Mal. 4:2