At the conclusion of Acts, we find Paul in Rome, trying to convince people about Jesus (28:23-31). Of everything Paul said, Luke highlights one statement in particular:
“The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
___ Go to this people, and say,
___ You will indeed hear but never understand,
_____ and you will indeed see but never perceive.
___ For this people’s heart has grown dull,
_____ and with their ears they can barely hear,
_____ and their eyes they have closed;
___ lest they should see with their eyes
_____ and hear with their ears
___ and understand with their heart
_____ and turn, and I would heal them.” (Acts 28:25-27)
What should we make of these prophetic words, “I would heal them”?
Historical Instances of Physical Healing by Jesus
- An official whose son was ill (John 4:46-53) – The man believed the word that Jesus spoke.
- Simon’s mother-in-law with a high fever (Luke 4:38-39) – Jesus “rebuked” the fever, and it left.
- That evening, all who were sick (Matt 8:16-17) – “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”
- A leper (Mark 1:40-42) – “Moved with pity,” Jesus touched him.
- A centurion’s servant (Matt 8:5-13) – Jesus “marveled” at such faith.
- A paralytic (Mark 2:1-12) – “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
- A man with a withered hand (Matt 12:9-13) – “Of how much more value is a man than a sheep!”
- A widow’s son (Luke 7:11-15) – Jesus “had compassion on her.”
- A woman with a discharge of blood for 12 years (Matt 9:20-22) – “Your faith has made you well.”
- Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-42) – “Do not fear, only believe.”
- Two blind men (Matt 9:27-30) – “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
- An invalid (John 5:1-9) – “Do you want to be healed?”
- Many who were sick (Matt 14:34-36) – “That they might only touch the fringe of his garment.”
- A man who was deaf and had a speech impediment (Mark 7:31-35) – “Be opened.”
- A blind man (Mark 8:22-25) – “He saw everything clearly.”
- A man born blind (John 9:1-7) – “I am the light of the world.”
- A woman who could not fully straighten herself (Luke 13:10-13) – “You are freed.”
- A man with dropsy (Luke 14:1-4) – Jesus “took him and healed him and sent him away.”
- Ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19) – “Your faith has made you well.”
- Lazarus (John 11:1-44) – “Lazarus, come out.”
- Two blind men (Matt 20:29-34) – Jesus “in pity touched their eyes.”
- Malchus’ right ear (Luke 22:47-51) – “No more of this!”
In What Way Do We Need to be Healed (Acts 28:26-27)? Without God’s Intervention, We Are…
- Blind (Acts 26:16-18; 2 Pet 1:5-9)
- Deaf (Heb 5:11-14; 2 Tim 4:3-4; Acts 7:57)
- Dull of heart (Rom 2:4-5; Eph 4:18)
- Dead (James 1:14-15; Rom 6:23; Col 2:13)
What Can We Learn from Jesus’ Healings?
- Jesus is moved with pity and compassion to act on our behalf (Rom 5:6-8; 1 Pet 2:24).
- “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Heb 11:6)
- “Do you want to be healed?” (Rom 6:20-21; Acts 2:38)
- “Do not fear, only believe.” (Heb 2:14-18; John 3:16, 36)
This sermon was delivered on August 4, 2013.
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