Introduction to the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ
When one reads the Gospels, a significant part of Jesus’ ministry was healing various kinds of sickness and rescuing people from demonic oppression. Matthew summarizes Jesus’ ministry – “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Matt. 4:23; 9:35). Moreover, Luke offers a similar summary – “When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people …” (Luke 4:40-41).
The Motivation and Delegation of Authority
We are told that Jesus’ healing ministry was motivated by compassion (Matt. 9:35-38; Mark 1:40-42). This power was not intended for Him alone; Jesus delegated his authority and power to heal and cast out demons to his followers as well (Matt. 10:1f; Luke 9:1-11; 10:1-9; Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:1-8). To illustrate the scriptural foundations of this ministry, consider the following references provided in the text:
| Focus Area | Scriptural References |
|---|---|
| Ministry Summaries | Matt. 4:23; 9:35; Luke 4:40-41 |
| Core Motivation (Compassion) | Matt. 9:35-38; Mark 1:40-42 |
| Delegation to Followers | Matt. 10:1f; Luke 9:1-11; Matt. 28:18-20 |
| Apostolic Commission | Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:1-8 |
A review of church history, especially the first four centuries, reveals that Christians continued this healing ministry delegated by Jesus. Dr. Ramsey MacMullen, professor of classics at Yale University, writes as a historian that the main reason for the explosive growth of Christianity in the first three centuries was primarily because the pagans were impressed that Christians healed the sick and cast out evil spirits.
The Big Picture: Biblical Context
If we are to understand the healing ministry of Jesus, we must understand the larger biblical context for his ministry. The Bible begins with the account of Creation (Gen. 1&2). We see humanity in a garden paradise enjoying the abundant life of God’s Presence and blessing. Life is marked by a certain wholeness and harmony in which everything is rightly related to everything else. Humanity was created uniquely in God’s image and likeness (Gen. 1:26-27). As unique creatures we were given the capacity for reasoning, emotions and relating to God and each other. Humanity’s very existence and purpose is expressed in its privilege to enjoy life with God and extend His glory and rule throughout the earth.
The Entry of Sin and Sickness
God is the ultimate Source of Truth, health, and happiness. Therefore, the key to the ongoing wholeness and harmony in creation is maintaining the proper ordering under God’s rule. Tragically, Adam and Eve rebelled against God’s gracious rule when they succumbed to Satan’s temptation to be “like God” (Gen. 3). Because of their disobedience, they were evicted from the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life. Through this disobedience, sin with all its devastating effects entered God’s good creation like a deadly computer virus. Therefore, there is no part of us, including our body, mind, will, or emotions, which is not adversely affected by sin’s ravages.
The Adversary and Restoration
Satan, having deceived Adam and Eve into agreeing with him about God, was able to gain a measure of authority over the earth. Jesus refers to him as the “prince of this world,” who now exercises his cruel rule to deceive and destroy all that God has made (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; 1 John 5:19). Because a certain authority over the earth was delegated by God to Adam, another man must now win that authority back from Satan. Jesus, as the last Adam, has won that authority back in his ministry of restoration and healing.