1/29/10 Mark 5
Jesus the Great Healer
In Mark 5 we read about three different occasions where Jesus heals individuals. One of the great lessons that we can all learn from these healings is that Jesus handles each one personally. Jesus does not give a command over large crowds and heal them of their afflictions. Instead, Jesus takes time with each individual, one on one, he deals with them concerning their faith and their healing.
First is the demon possessed man who would gash himself with stones. Jesus heals him by pure grace from the demon named Legion. This man had no ability to help himself, yet Jesus came to his aid. This is similar to each of us who have experienced and continue to experience the saving work of Jesus. We had and have no ability to save ourselves from God’s wrath apart from Jesus. After the demon possessed man was healed, the scriptures describe him as “sitting down, clothed and in his right mind.” After this the man’s faith is evidenced in obeying Jesus’ command to go home and tell your people what great things the Lord has done for you.
Second, is the woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years. Her faith was evident in the belief that if she just touched Jesus’ garment she would be healed. As soon as she touched Jesus she immediately knew that she was healed and Jesus knew immediately that power had went from Him. He deals with her faith making her confess before the crowd (Mt 10:32) that she was the one who touched Him, in order to be healed. Sometimes we can experience suffering or sickness for a period of time, but at the right time and place Jesus may provide healing.
Third, is the synagogue official’s daughter who had died at home. Jesus comes to the very room where the little girl has died and he takes her by the hand; see how personal Jesus handles this situation, He says to her “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” The little girl arose and was healed from the power of death.
Whatever healing you desire, Jesus will deal with you personally and intimately concerning your faith and healing. Remember this, that not everyone who seeks healing will receive it, not because Jesus is unable, He may be using your afflictions or disease to increase your faith or the faith of others. In addition, your strength of faith or lack of faith is not a direct result to the healing you receive or do not receive.
Prayer: Father, You are so great. You have demonstrated through Jesus that you have the power over every spirit, every sickness, and even death. To who else could we turn, to who else could we trust, but in You alone. Jesus, thank you for the personal involvement that You show in regards to afflictions, sickness, disease, and faith. I will never be able to heal as you do, but I desire to point people to you and give me a heart like yours for dealing with the hurting and sick in a personal way, as you do. Amen