Jesus The Healer

“What is it about tears that should be so terrifying? The touch of God is marked by tears… deep, soul-shaking tears, weeping… it comes when that last barrier is down and you surrender yourself to health and wholeness.” 

― David Wilkerson, The Cross and the Switchblade

When we look closely at the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles, it is clear that divine healing is a central part of the proclamation of the Gospel. The Gospels and the Book of Acts together record at least 61 specific healing miracles. Jesus performed approximately 47 individual healings, including curing the blind, lepers, paralytics, and raising the dead, with additional accounts of healing large crowds. Similarly, in Acts, the apostles performed 14 notable healings, including the lame beggar, raising the dead, and healing multitudes through Peter and Paul’s ministries. These healing miracles were not only displays of divine power but also a vital part of proclaiming the Gospel and demonstrating the presence of God’s Kingdom.

The Gospel (good news), according to Matthew, outlines to us how Jesus began His ministry: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.” (Matthew 4:23-25)

Imagine how radically different the global church today would look if healing had remained a central expression of the Good News, just as it was in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles!

Delving deeper into the subject of divine healing, it becomes clear that, from Jesus’ perspective, healing is far more than just physical health; He desires our whole being—spirit, soul, and body—to be fully healed and mature in Christ. As the Creator, His greatest delight is seeing His creation fulfil its divine purpose—to reflect the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29). This means growing into spiritual maturity and living as whole, restored individuals who bring healing to the world around us. God’s vision for us is simple yet profound:

“The complete health of the whole person.”

Harvester church Cederberg

God’s dream for the church is that we become a community, a sacred space where He reigns and where everyone finds healing to live righteously. Jesus seeks to heal, reconcile, restore, reform, and liberate us to fully embrace our purpose—to become like Him. True wellness is achieved when we are most Christlike, aligned with His will and reflecting His nature to the world around us.

A tree is designed to bear good fruit, and in the same way, God created humanity in His image to produce divine, righteous fruit. However, sin has deformed us, sowing destruction. As a result of human disobedience and a distorted sense of identity, our world has become increasingly fragmented and broken. Sickness, pain, imperfection, and discomfort hinder us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. The outcry of humanity is for healing—we are all searching for deep, lasting, and complete restoration. Illness acts as an obstruction, inhibiting or limiting our natural abilities. A healthy baby is born with the capacity for movement, abilities, and intellect, but illness or sickness diminishes this potential. While many of us are born healthy, we often become increasingly unwell as we regress into a sinful lifestyle.

Is It God’s Will To Heal?

This is an interesting question. In Hebrew, the word “will” does not exist in the same way it does in English; instead, the Old Testament conveys it as a deep desire. If you asked parents, “Is it your will and desire for your child to be healthy?” they would undoubtedly respond, “Of course!” What parent doesn’t want their child to be healthy? In the same way, God the Father desires to see His creation whole and mature in Christ. This is the very reason Jesus came—became flesh, died, and was risen from the dead—to redeem our well-being. It’s all part of God’s healing plan, and Jesus is the ultimate solution to restore us!

Let’s expand on the question: Is it God’s will to forgive you? Naturally! Is it God’s will to save you? Absolutely—no one would argue against that. “Of course!” is the immediate response. So why not receive His healing, just as we accept His forgiveness and salvation by faith? If it were God’s will for you to be sick, would it not be pointless to pray for healing? On the contrary, if it is God’s heart, will, and desire to heal, we can always pray with the confidence of faith. God’s heart is always for healing—period, full stop!

The Great Mystery Of How God Heals

The mystery of how God heals is more complex than we often realize. While we know that He always seeks to heal, restore, and complete us in the fullness of Christ, His methods focus on the areas that will bring us to greater maturity in Him. For God, healing is about restoring us to His original design. We need healing in every aspect of our lives—spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, vocationally, physically, relationally, habitually, and in our identity. As we walk with Him, He gradually brings healing in each of these areas. God is always at work healing, and in His presence, we will continually receive healing in some part of our spirit, soul, or body.

A biblical alternative to the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, developed by Dr. William Hettler, can be found in the concept of shalom, which is rooted in the idea of holistic well-being according to Scripture. The biblical concept of wellness addresses not only the physical aspect but also spiritual, emotional, social, and even environmental dimensions, all underpinned by the idea of living in harmony with God’s creation.

Scholars like Willard Swartley in Health, Healing, and the Church’s Mission emphasize that the Christian approach to wellness is rooted in the idea that humanity’s wholeness is found in God’s shalom. This wholeness includes physical health, emotional balance, relational peace, and vocational and spiritual fulfilment. Swartley also highlights that the church should actively be an agent of healing through prayer, addressing healthcare needs, and engaging in acts of compassion within the community.

Five Different Verbs Describe Jesus’ Healing Ministry:

Therapeo: This Greek word is deeply connected to the idea of holistic healing and care. It refers to the process of healing, rehabilitation, and restoration to wholeness—embodying God’s peace, shalom, which is more than the absence of conflict but the presence of total well-being. In scriptures like Matt. 4:24, 12:10, Mark 1:34, and Luke 6:7 and 10:9, therapeo is used to describe the ongoing care and treatment of the sick, showing that God’s healing is not just about physical recovery but also about bringing peace and restoration to every aspect of a person’s life.

Iaomai: This term refers to immediate, physical healing. It emphasizes the miraculous, instantaneous power of God to heal physical ailments, as seen in Luke 5:17, 6:19, and 9:42. Jesus’ power to iaomai or heal physically was evident throughout His ministry, and it demonstrated God’s authority over sickness. This word captures the moments when people were instantly healed by His touch, a reflection of God’s ability to intervene directly and restore physical health in a moment (Acts 10:38; 28:8).

Sozo: More than just physical healing, sozo refers to salvation, deliverance, and the holistic redemption of a person. This word, used frequently in the New Testament, speaks of the ultimate healing—salvation from sin, spiritual bondage, and eternal separation from God. Jesus’ ministry was not only about healing the body but about bringing people into relationship with God through redemption (Matt. 9:21-22; Mark 5:23, 34; Luke 8:36, 50; John 11:12). Sozo encapsulates both the physical healing and spiritual salvation that Jesus offers, showing that God’s intervention brings comprehensive restoration.

Diorthosis: This word relates to reforming, correcting, or restoring something to its proper state. Found in Heb. 9:10 and 2 Tim. 3:16, it refers to the process of making right what has been broken or disordered. God’s healing is not just about temporary relief but about a deep, structural restoration, correcting and reforming what has been damaged so that it aligns with His intended design.

Kartharizo: Meaning to cleanse or purify, kartharizo emphasizes the removal of impurity, both physical and spiritual. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently cleanses people of diseases, such as leprosy (Matthew 8:2-3; Luke 5:12-13), which not only healed their physical bodies but also restored them socially and spiritually. His healing removed the stigma attached to illness and restored individuals to full community and spiritual life, as seen in the case of the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48). This purification is not just about the body but also about restoring dignity and breaking down social barriers that sickness often creates.

Origin and Cause of Sickness

Some diseases are genetically or virally transmitted and result from external causes. Psychologists suggest that up to 85% of illnesses have emotional or psychosomatic roots. Lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, also significantly affect our overall health. Additionally, some diseases have satanic or demonic origins. The entire world is contaminated on various levels, and our air, water, and food are no longer perfectly clean, contributing to many illnesses.

We live in an information revolution age, with 3.5 billion Google searches conducted daily. Over 1.3 billion people are registered on YouTube, and nearly 300 hours of videos are uploaded every minute. A significant portion of this information focuses on health and self-improvement. Over 250,000 mobile applications are available to monitor our health and well-being. New smartwatches track various aspects of physical health, including sleep patterns, heart rate, blood pressure, and sugar levels, providing doctors with more precise data for diagnosis. Platforms like “Hello Dr.” can instantly connect individuals with medical professionals.

As a result, people are physically healthier and living longer. But are we truly healthy? We may be cured of one illness only to fall sick with another soon after. True health encompasses more than just the physical—it involves mental and emotional well-being. As we age and our bodies no longer function optimally, we can still maintain mental and emotional health.

Ultimately, health is not a self-centred quest for personal survival; truly healthy people also seek to bring healing to others.

The Total Human Experience Consists Of:

1. Spirit – Connection, consciousness.

2. Emotions – Range of Feelings and emotions determined by the present moment.

3. Intellect – Thought patterns, values, worldview.

4. Behaviour – Habits.

5. Social interaction – Relationships.

6. Physical – Physiological needs and body Affect.

7. Identity – Who I Am, which determines my Vocation.

In our journey with Jesus we have found that health is not only the cure for a specific physical illness, but an overall comprehensive healthy lifestyle of the whole person.

– Jan Oosthuizen

Thousands of cures, diets, supplements, miracle cures, therapies and surgeries may be effective, but they all share only one aspect of our health. You can be 100% physically healthy, but your soul can be unhappy due to broken relationships. You can be a good person with many achievements and still feel something is missing in your life because you have not yet made peace with God. We may be physically healthy and intellectually brilliant, but if our inner self is not yet healed of self-centredness, selfishness and self-determination, we are saddened and deplored. Think of the self-delusion of Hitler and yoga gurus like Bikram Choudhury, who deceived his followers.

Centripetal Core of All Medicine

Total healing can only be found in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is healing and optimal health! As we awaken to the reality of His person, values, thoughts, habits, and way of life, we discover the true essence of all healing. Without Jesus, there is no sustainable health or well-being, for He doesn’t just heal one aspect of our humanity—He invites us to follow Him. As we follow and obey His teachings, we become healthier step by step in every area of our lives, enabling us to help others heal as well.

Becoming like Jesus is the key to a fulfilled and happy life. It empowers you to be the best spouse, business leader, worker, friend, and parent. Christ’s character, values, attitude, ethics, habits, and lifestyle serve as the ultimate guide to living a truly perfect life. We reflect our truest beauty when we live most like Him. We live the best life by following His ethical and moral example, pursuing His immaculate character, and dedicating our lives to serving others. Jesus’ life is a universal truth and a blueprint, a foundation for all of life. He is the perfect standard, blameless and the ultimate measure of morality.

On our journey with Jesus, we encounter His divine, paradoxical values: justice and fairness, impartiality and respect for all people, sustainable creativity, revolutionary pacifism, servant leadership, being both supernatural and natural, and much more. Everything changes when we receive His life and begin living by His example. Our relationships, mindsets, work, and lifestyle become healthier and, in turn, bring healing to others.

Why Faith-Healing Has a Bad Name?

Every form of medicine has a particular success rate, so why does faith-healing seem to have such inconsistent results? Why do only certain faith healers experience reasonable success, and how lasting is that success? When someone is ill and desperate for a solution, even a 50/50 chance can offer a glimmer of hope. Consequently, a method with such a low and unpredictable success rate will naturally face scepticism and rejection. Even natural alternative medicines often show a significantly higher rate of success. This inconsistency makes praying for healing and attributing it solely to God’s love challenging to explain—why do some experience healing while others do not? This raises difficult questions about the nature of faith, healing, and God’s will that many struggle to reconcile.

The question is not whether God heals people, but rather why He does not heal everyone.

Several questionnaires have determined that most people, as well as doctors, believe that prayer is beneficial for sick people. There are numerous recorded lists of medically verifiable divine healings. The question, ‘Why don’t all the people who are prayed for in healing lines get healed?‘ was posed to a panel of faith healers, and their answer was: “To preserve the integrity and heart of the Gospel, not everyone is healed in the same way, nor by the same person. The reason is this: if a certain person or method were 100% successful in healing every disease, people would be tempted to worship the person or the method, losing sight of the wonder and depth of God. Humanity tends to seek quick fixes or miracle cures rather than engaging in the hard work of genuine transformation. Often, it is our own behaviour that has contributed to the disease in the first place.”

Attributing healing solely to our faith, or lack thereof, also presents challenges. While faith played a cardinal role in healing, the Lord healed some people without any faith on their part. If faith alone brings salvation, does that mean we can heal ourselves? Should we then also save ourselves? Salvation is clearly a gift, and our faith in God plays a role in receiving it. Yet, many people who truly believe and have acted boldly in faith still do not receive healing. Sometimes, it was the faith of the ones who brought the sick, as in the case of the friends lowering their friend through the roof so Jesus could pray for him (Mark 2:1-12).

Praying with the conviction that God always wants to heal can be deeply challenging when healing doesn’t occur. Why not? Is it the work of Satan? A lack of faith? Too much sin or unbelief? If so, the implication is that we are the problem, which brings little comfort, especially when we have poured out our faith and prayers for someone we love. Even when we believe, faith alone seems insufficient. Even with compassion, it still appears inadequate. Despite receiving promises from Scripture and prophetic words, they sometimes remain unfulfilled. So, where does that leave us?

God’s Self-Healing Ability – HE is always HEALING!

Healing is inherent to God’s nature, and His creation reflects this through its remarkable self-healing ability. Darwin called this phenomenon “natural selection”, trying to prove that God does not exist. He believed nature had created itself. On the contrary, natural selection says something about the creator. In the same way, the design reveals something about the designer’s nature, mind, intent, and character.

The earth and nature contain medicinal remedies, a testament to the wonder of God’s design. He created us to heal and live in health and wholeness. God is always healing! It is in His nature! Like He is also always LOVE! He can never not be LOVE, for He IS love.

Illness and disease are physical symptoms and reflect a much deeper intrinsic disease. The sinful brokenness of our world. Our economy is sick, and the moral fabric of society is eroding, signs of a world disconnected from God. If all of society were to truly serve the Lord, living according to His Word, embracing all that He has made available to us, and doing good to others as Jesus did, would sickness still persist? It raises the question of whether a world in full alignment with God’s will would experience such brokenness at all.

Origin of Sickness

Sin but yet not all illnesses is due to sin (Job 42:7-8). Sin is certainly a factor in some illnesses, but not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin. This is made clear in the story of Job, where God Himself declared that Job’s suffering was not due to sin (Job 42:7-8). However, the Bible also teaches that sinful behaviour can lead to physical consequences, as seen in the cases of Miriam’s leprosy (Num. 12:10), Gehazi’s greed and the resulting illness (2 Kings 5:27), Uzziah’s pride leading to leprosy (2 Chron. 26:16-23), and Elimas being struck blind for opposing God (Acts 13:11). Proverbs warns us not to be wise in our own eyes but to fear the Lord and turn from evil, promising health and strength as a result (Prov. 3:7-8).

Our words also have great influence over our health. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue holds the power of life and death, and Proverbs 16:24 emphasizes that kind words bring healing, like honey to the soul and health to the body. This underscores the spiritual and emotional connection between our words, our mental state, and our physical well-being.

Unforgiveness can also have a devastating impact, making a person bitter and physically sick, as described in 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 and the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:21-35). Bitterness acts like a poison, not just to the soul but to the body as well, leaving us spiritually and physically drained. See https://brianadamsministries.com/the-power-of-forgiveness/

Our thoughts and attitudes play a significant role in our health. Proverbs 14:30 and 17:22 teach that a merry heart brings health, like medicine, while a broken spirit dries up the bones. A joyful person tends to be healthier, while a troubled mind can contribute to physical decline.

In some cases, sickness can be attributed to demonic oppression, as Jesus healed those afflicted by evil spirits in several instances (Matt. 17:18; Matt. 9:25, 42; Luke 4:35, 39). Acts 10:38 makes it clear that Jesus was anointed by God to heal all those oppressed by the devil, linking physical illness and spiritual bondage in certain circumstances. The Bible speaks of a “spirit of infirmity” or sickness, as in the case of the woman bound for 18 years (Luke 13:11, 16), indicating that spiritual forces can sometimes be behind chronic illness.

The Lord God is sovereign: “See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none who can deliver from My hand” (Deut. 32:39). Throughout Scripture, God’s sovereignty over life, death, and healing is evident (Gen. 12:17; Ex. 4:11; 15:25; 1 Sam. 25:37-38; 2 Sam. 12:15; Deut. 28:15-68; 2 Kings 15:5; 2 Chron. 21:18-19; 26:20-21; Acts 12:22-23; Acts 13:8-12; Job 5:18). He alone holds ultimate authority over these matters, and nothing escapes His control. Like Job, we have to accept that He is God, and He is all-knowing, eternal, and perfectly good.

At the end of the book ‘The Shack’, the message emphasizes the profound truth that God is both love and sovereign. Despite the deep pain and suffering the main character, Mack, experiences, God reveals that His love is ever-present, even in the hardest moments. The sovereignty of God does not negate His love, but rather, both work together. God’s ways are often beyond human understanding, yet His perfect love always drives His actions. The book reinforces that trusting God’s sovereignty means believing in His love, even when life is filled with heartache and unanswered questions. Ultimately, it portrays a God who is in control yet deeply compassionate, always working towards restoration, healing, and goodness.

Indirect contact with people: It is possible to contract illness through bacteria or other agents, where innocent individuals become unintended victims. In a similar way, someone else’s sin and transgression can sometimes cause illness and suffering for others. Just as bacteria spread, the consequences of sin can affect even the innocent, illustrating how interconnected we are in this broken world.

The broken world/nature: Creation itself suffers under the weight of sin. As Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Rom. 8:18-22). Natural disasters like heat waves, droughts, tsunamis, and other events are part of the world’s fallen state. Sometimes, things simply happen—we stumble, fall, and experience pain, such as a broken arm. These are reminders of a world groaning for redemption.

My own lifestyle and behaviour: Our own choices, lifestyle, habits, and behaviour can have a significant impact on our health, often being the root cause of sickness. Poor dietary decisions, lack of physical activity, chronic stress, and neglect of rest can weaken our immune systems and lead to illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Harmful behaviours, such as smoking, excessive drinking, or drug use, can damage vital organs and increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Additionally, emotional habits like harbouring anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness can contribute to mental and physical health problems, as stress and negative emotions manifest in our bodies over time. Our lifestyle choices not only shape our present health but often lay the groundwork for future ailments.

Why would Jesus not permit people to tell of their healing?

Why did Jesus often rebuke people and instruct them to remain quiet after their healing? Wasn’t the goal for everyone to believe in Him? Jesus didn’t heal in the same way every time because, for Him, healing was about more than just addressing symptoms. He aimed to reveal deeper causes and bring holistic restoration. For example, when Jesus healed the leper, He instructed him to show himself to the priest, not just to confirm the physical healing but to restore him to the community by lifting the quarantine (Matt. 8:1-5).

On other occasions, Jesus healed entire crowds, yet He still forbade them from publicly speaking about Him (Matt. 12:16). Despite performing supernatural acts, Jesus never sought to exploit them for popularity. His mission was not to be used merely as a quick-fix miracle worker; He wanted people to understand the deeper issues that caused their suffering in the first place.

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” and Peter declared Him to be the Messiah, He commanded them not to repeat it (Matt. 16:20). This seems puzzling—wasn’t the goal for everyone to know He is the Christ? The deeper principle here is that Jesus didn’t want people to only worship Him from a distance; He wanted them to follow Him in a life of discipleship. True healing, in His eyes, is about a transformational journey with Him, not just relief from sickness symptoms.

It is our obedient imitation of the person Jesus Christ, which unlocks total healing for the whole person.

The transfiguration on the mountain is a clear proof of His divinity. People are natural doubters. Why allow only a few disciples to experience the occurrence? Would not the Pharisees and all His enemies repent if they saw what was happening here? “Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead’.” (Matt. 17:9). Jesus is not capitalizing on the moment from His divine transfiguration and revelation. Think of people who have gathered at places of divine phenomena over the centuries, worshipping the phenomenon like robots. If Jesus had allowed Peter to build temples here, people would still have flocked there to this day for a mystical experience, which would magically fix everything instantly.

Healing of the Deaf and Dumb Man: This is one of the most spectacular miracles Jesus performed, for not only did the man receive his hearing, but God restored his speech in one moment. Even if someone’s hearing is restored, it would take a speech therapist months to help them speak correctly. His ears immediately opened, the obstruction of his speech disappeared, and he spoke correctly. Jesus forbade the people to tell it to anyone else, but the more He forbade them, the more they shared it (Mark 7:36). Here is one of the most telling miracles, which would ensure a faithful following if you use today’s marketing techniques of retelling evidence. Jesus does this miracle in privacy.

Demons Know Jesus: Many people wondered about Jesus, but the demons knew exactly who He was. Is there no greater proof of His ministry and authenticity than that the demons recognize Him? But Jesus spoke to him sharply: “Be still and come out of him” (Mark 1:25). Yet He does not allow them to speak.

Intentional Strategy: Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. The healing was done secretly, and he was forbidden to tell anyone else (Mark 8:26, 30).

Genuine and Believable Accounts: The authenticity of the gospel writers’ testimony is also in the useless information that has not been omitted. The fact that Jesus instructs them to give the child something to eat has no purpose. Yet, it makes the stories genuine and believable. Again, it is a perfect opportunity to convince people. Jesus does not use grand dramatic displays to impress people. Her parents were dumbfounded at the miracle, but Jesus forbade them to tell anyone what had happened (Luke 8:56).

Feeding the Crowds: The climax of Jesus’ popularity was when He fed the crowds. When the people saw the miracle that Jesus did, they said, “He is truly the Prophet, the One who was to come into the world.” When Jesus noticed that they wanted to make him king by force, he went further up the mountain, he alone” (John 6:14-15).

Once again, Jesus flees from the appointment of people and the worship of people. He wants to make us aware that there is something deeper than healing, miracles, and food provision. All of these things are temporary, but there is more that God wants to give us. These signs and wonders are exactly that, signs. It is like signposts, guides to a greater reality. Miracles are indeed important. Paul reflects this approach to the Corinthians: “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of  human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:4-5).

Throughout history, certain churches have capitalized on healing shrines, places where people flock to, often in desperation, seeking immediate and miraculous healing. While these sites may offer physical relief, they often lack the most critical component of genuine healing: a deep, transformative relationship with a living God rooted in faith and obedience. The problem with these healing shrines is that they can reduce healing to a transactional event—a quick-fix solution—rather than fostering a meaningful, faith-filled journey with God.

True healing, in God’s design, is not merely about the instant removal of symptoms; it involves a deeper spiritual restoration that comes from walking in faith, obedience, and trust. Like any profound relationship, a genuine relationship with God embraces mystery, uncertainty, and growth. It’s not about receiving immediate, predictable responses, like withdrawing cash from a bank machine. God doesn’t want us to treat Him as a tool for instant gratification but rather to engage with Him in a dynamic, living relationship that transforms us from the inside out.

Miraculous healing can occur, but God’s ultimate goal is often not just to heal the body but to heal the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. By focusing only on the physical, healing shrines can miss this deeper aspect, creating a shallow connection where the worship of God is substituted with the pursuit of the miracle itself. True healing involves surrender, trust, and a willingness to journey with God, allowing Him to work in His timing and His way.

We Are most Healthy and Well When Living most Like Jesus

What is the greater reality that Jesus wanted them to see? “Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:26-29)

The healing is not the gift; Jesus is the gift of healing. So if I receive Jesus, I am healed because I have received the Healer! “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” (Ex. 15:26)

Jesus passionately desires to restore, heal, reform, and reconcile us to our original purpose—to embody God’s divine nature, representing all that is good, uplifting, positive, and fruitful. Those who worship at shrines with hazy eyes, fixated on external miracles, have not yet awakened to their true divine purpose of godliness. They wait and plead for a miracle from above, unaware that the greatest miracle of all is Christ Himself, longing to dwell within us, to work His miracles and righteousness through us.

More Than Physical Healing

The healing that Christ wants to work in us is also more than just physical healing. He wants to heal our whole being so we can become a life of healing to the world, our neighbours, friends and family. “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Rom. 8:29) 

In all the stories where Jesus admonished people “not to tell”, the people were amazed and impressed with Him. So they wanted to worship Him, but He did not allow it. He seeks more than our worship; He seeks our faith and obedience!

There are two stories where Jesus was impressed by faith:

One example is the healing of the officer’s servant (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10; John 4:43-54). This man came to Jesus for healing, but what set him apart was that he truly saw Jesus. He calls Jesus “Lord” and recognizes Him as a man of authority, much like himself. That’s why he boldly asks Jesus to simply “speak a word” and trust that healing will follow. Jesus’ response is profound: “When Jesus heard it, He marvelled and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth'” (Matt. 8:10-12).

This statement from Jesus is groundbreaking; it is a historical reversal of who God truly favours! Who is Jesus talking about? He refers to those who truly see Him for who He is—people from every nation and language who don’t view Him as a mere healer or archetype but as their Lord, King, and Savior. Those who see Him as He truly is will experience His kingdom, while those who fail to recognize His authority will miss out on its blessings.

The other story is of the Canaanite woman, who Jesus initially did not want to help. “Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” (Matt. 15:28). Despite Jesus’ refusal, she continued to believe.

We see that Jesus deeply desired for His disciples to truly see and understand Him. Isn’t this the heart’s desire of every teacher, leader, or pastor? Yet, some people follow only for prestige, money, fame, position, healing, or miracles. But Jesus wanted more for His disciples—He wanted them to witness His works and actively do what He did. He called them to move in faith, just as He did, and perform miracles themselves (Luke 10:19; Matt. 10:8). His goal was not simply to display His power but to empower them to carry on His mission.

Beyond Miracles

There are three miracles where Jesus shows His frustration with the disciples that they do not yet see:

• Jesus calms the storm. “But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

• Peter is the first disciple to start seeing something. “And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.” (Matt. 14:28-29) “And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?“ (Matt. 14:31)

• The multiplication of the loaves. “Give them something to eat.“ (Mark 6:37)

“The purpose of Jesus is not only to save men from their sins, but by the grace of God to begin in the souls of men that marvelous development in the nature and mind and understanding of God our Father. Until by the grace of God we are able to take our place and our part in the kingdom of Jesus Christ and bear our share of responsibility.” ― John G. Lake

Best Health Is Right Belief

“But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Rom. 14:23) “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6) How many of our decisions, choices, habits, are grounded in a belief? How do we see the world? What do we buy? Why do we buy? Where we live and work, everything is grounded in our beliefs about ourselves, God and the future.

Jesus became human and physically demonstrated what He preached. He eventually died for our sins, reconciling us to God by His resurrection from the dead. He is now seated at the right hand of God after sending the Holy Spirit to live in us and rule through us! What are we waiting for? What on earth does God still have to do?

When our perspective is right, we truly see—we see what He did and who He is, and we believe it with conviction. This revelation transforms how we view the world. As we faithfully obey His commands, life takes on a completely new meaning. Our outlook on life, things, and people shifts dramatically. We become healthy in body, soul, and spirit, living with renewed purpose and clarity.

Jesus Heals The Whole Person

John G. Lake believed that Jesus’ healing work is threefold:

1. He frees us from evil to be spiritually healthy and full of the Holy Spirit. We communicate and experience connection with God through our spirit.
2. The Lord heals our soul, our connection with people. Because we have made peace with God, the Lord heals our souls. Our soul is how we are connected to the humanity around us. Peace of mind and peace with self and the people around me, is healing! Jesus was always concerned about the whole person and not just the symptoms of illness. He often dealt with the spiritual aspects first. His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well focused on the basic conflicts in her personality. For Jesus, health is more than just the absence of physical and mental illness – it is about the whole person.
3. God wants to heal us, but even more: He wants us to heal others! “Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” (Ezek. 47:12)

The Various Ways Jesus Heals

God’s concern for our well-being goes far beyond just physical healing—He desires to teach us a new way of life. While we are responsible for our own health and must act in faith after careful consideration, Jesus’ ministry shows us that healing can come in many forms. Of the 35 miracles He performed, 26 were healings, and in 6 cases, He cast out evil spirits.

Here are various ways healing is received:

1. Confession of sins: Healing begins with spiritual restoration. Confessing our sins can bring healing (Jas. 5:16).
2. Anointing with oil by elders: God instructs us to involve the elders in prayer and anointing for healing (Jas. 5:14-15).
3. Medical care: Jesus acknowledges the role of medicine, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan, who bandaged wounds and used oil (Luke 10:33-34). He affirms that doctors are for the sick (Matt. 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31). Even Luke is referred to as the “beloved physician” (Col. 4:14).
4. Alternative medicine: Paul advises Timothy to use wine for stomach ailments, showing the use of natural remedies (1 Tim. 5:23).
5. Healing through presence: The Bible speaks of healing power flowing from the leaves of the tree of life, a symbol of restoration for the nations (Rev. 22:2; Ps. 1:2-3; Ezek. 47:12; Jer. 17:8).
6. The Word of God: Scripture itself brings healing (Luke 4:4).
7. Faith: Jesus often responded to faith. Healing came when He “saw their faith” (Mark 2:5; Matt. 9:29).
8. Forgiveness: True healing comes with forgiving others, as seen in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:34-35).
9. Identification through the Lord’s Supper: By participating in the Lord’s Supper, we identify with Christ’s suffering, bringing healing to our lives (1 Cor. 11:28-30).
10. Praise and worship: Praising God brings healing, as we remember His benefits—He forgives all sins and heals all diseases (Ps. 103:1-3).
11. Anointed cloths: God’s healing power even flowed through cloths and garments anointed for healing (Acts 19:11-12).
12. Laying on of hands: Jesus and His disciples practiced laying hands on the sick to bring healing (Mark 6:5, 13; 16:15, 17-18).
13. Casting out demons: Deliverance from demonic oppression was often central to Jesus’ healings (Mark 9:14-29; Matt. 17:14-20; Luke 9:37-43).
14. Fear of the Lord: Proverbs reminds us that turning away from evil brings health to our bodies and strength to our bones (Prov. 3:7-8).

These diverse methods highlight that healing in God’s Kingdom is multifaceted, involving physical, spiritual, and emotional restoration, all rooted in faith and obedience to God’s will.

Conclusion: The Life of Jesus Is a Way of Health

When we are most like Jesus, we embody true health. Jesus, as the ultimate healer, represents far more than just divine healing—He restores us in countless ways. While supernatural healing is a beautiful reality, the Lord’s healing touches every aspect of our lives.

We can lead a truly healthy life when our relationships with God, ourselves, others, and creation are wholesome. A disciplined lifestyle, including regular exercise, sufficient rest, and a balanced diet, contributes to both physical and spiritual wellness.

Work, when meaningful and fulfilling, can also be a source of healing, just as nurturing our minds—like a well-tended garden—shapes how we think and live.

Giving, helping, and serving others brings healing to both the giver and the receiver. Approaching life with a childlike sense of joy and engaging in wholesome fun acts as a miracle cure for the soul.

Hospitality, whether through the simple act of preparing a delicious meal or welcoming others into our homes, brings nourishment and healing.

Finally, being a peacemaker—working to reconcile people and heal divisions—reflects the heart of Jesus and brings deep healing to our world. True health is found in living like Jesus, healing ourselves and others through love, service, and reconciliation.

Citations:

Brown, Candy Gunther. Testing Prayer: Science and Healing. Harvard University Press. Kindle Edition.

Clark, Randy. The Thrill of Victory / The Agony of Defeat. Global Awakening, 2018.

Hettler, William. “Wellness Promotion on a University Campus.” Family & Community Health, vol. 3, no. 1, 1980, pp. 77-95.

Swartley, Willard M. Health, Healing, and the Church’s Mission: Biblical Perspectives and Moral Priorities. InterVarsity Press, 2012.

Barrett, Lisa Feldman. How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017.

Deere, Jack. Surprised by the Power of the Spirit: A Former Dallas Seminary Professor Discovers That God Speaks and Heals Today. Zondervan, 1993.

Price, Charles S. The Real Faith. Whitaker House, 2003.

Young, William P. The Shack. Windblown Media, 2007.