This is a study of Matthew that can be used as a devotional. I will go through each of the Gospels using the acrostic of HEAL to each Gospel. HEAL stands for:
H = Honour God with commitment of time to study His Word
E = Examine your heart and pray to invite Him into your study
A = Ask God to reveal His truths in each passage
L = Listen to what He says and write it down
Using these principals, we will go through each book together and see what we can gleam from God’s fantastic and infallible Word. May God bless you through His Word! He wants you to live a healthy and godly life – today…
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Part 1: The calling of Matthew
Matthew 9:9-12
Mark 2:14-17
28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.“
Luke 5:27-32
Remember that before he was Matthew, the disciple, he was Levi, the Jewish tax-collector. He was, like all tax-collectors for the Roman empire, despised for padding his own purse whilest serving the enemy of Israel. The actual calling of Matthew by Jesus is found in Matthew 9:9-12. Jesus sees Matthew at his tax-collecting booth and says to him “Follow me!” – and Matthew did so.
Having personally experiencing the the heart-and-soul healing power of the Lord, Matthew was eager to recount what he had done after seeing personally what the results of a response of faith to Jesus could do. Matthew’s Gospel is full of his personal eye-witness accounts of what Jesus could do, healing sickness, casting out demons, and even raising the dead.
Qustions:
- What are you hoping to gain out of this study/devotional?
- What need do we all have for Jesus – the divine Physician?
- How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees?
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Part 2: Satan tempts Jesus in the desert
“1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.“
Matthew 4:1-11
As you are on a spiritual, healing journey, your soul and spiritual healing are just as fragile as your body. Feeding your soul with God’s Word is critical as you are healing. Why? The enemy wants to discourage you during this process of healing.
This passage about Jesus being tempted in the desert is a great example of what to do when fiery darts are urled your way. The devil uses lies and half-truths (still lies), but notice how Jesus battled it out with the devil. He combatted Satan’s lies with God’s Word. Jesus simply stated God’s Word and told Satan to leave. Immediately after the devil left, angels came and served Him.
(see also the other studies on the supernatural on this blog)
Questions:
- What thoughts are you constantly battling as you heal?
- What does God’s Word say concerning your situation?
- What can you learn from this story about Jesus?
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Part 3: Jesus heals lots of people
Matteus 4:23-25
What if you heard today that there was a man who heale every form of disease, illness and pain? Wouldn’t we all rush to see him? That’ what the peolpe from Galilee did 2000 years ago. They heard that Jesus was the man who healed peple, so the word spread quickly.
Jesus healed every disease, not just a few illnesses here and there. He healed people with severe pain, those who were demon possessed, folks with seizures and Galileans who were paralyzed. He gave the blind back their sight. He healed eery single disease of every suffering person seeking help, all while proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
Question:
- It there any disease, pain or illness that Jesus can not heal?
- Do you thin He still can do that today?
- What did you learn about Jesus from this passage?
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Part 4: Healing from anger
Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus teaches us about the dangers of anger in this passage of Scripture. Anger has an actual physological effect on people, triggering the body’s fight or flight response. These physical manifestations caused by holding on to anger can hinder our healing process.
Jesus said “whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:22). Why such a strong statement? This is because there are spiritual implications to remaining angry or holding bitterness in your heart towards someone.
Jesus wants us all to live in peace and experience emotional well-being of our soul. This is done through the process of reconciliation. We should not only be quick to resolve any anger issues against someone else, but He goes on to tell us that if we know someone who has an issue with us, we should quickly go and reconcile with those people. This does not only heal our hearts, but also our bodies.
Qusetions:
- Are you angry with someoner, or is anyone angry with you
- What have you done about it?
- What can you do further to settle this situation?
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Part 5: Freedom from worry
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Matthew 6:25-34
How many times have we worried about something, only to find out later it was nothing worth worrying about? We spend a lot of mental energy and anxiety fretting about things we can not control – but God has made us a big promise. He will take care of us.
In todays passage, Jesus tells us that when we first seek His kingdom and righteousness, all of our basic needs – food, clothing and housing – will be taken care of. There is no need to get bogged down the “what if’s” of the future. God has that covered. All we have to do is put Him first in our lives. How liberating it is to give all your worries and cares to God! He can handle them! Let’s focus on God today! We are more valuble to God than all the rest of creation. He will take care of us!
(see also the video-series “Don’t be afraid” on my video blog revlarsvideos.wordpress.com)
Qusetions:
- What are you worrying about right now?
- What dose this passage say about your woories?
- What steps can you take to put God first in your life?
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Part 6: Jesus heals a leper
“1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
Matthew 8:1-4
In today’s passage, Jesus is in a town with a large crowd following Him. A man covered in leprosy kneels before Jesus and asks this question: “ Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” (8:2).
Jesus reaches out and touches him. This is a big deal because to touch a leper would make Jesus ceremoniously unclean by Jewish law. Bur Jesus cared more about the person than about breaking any rules. He reaches out andtouches the leper, and immediately the person is healed.
Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus told the leper not to tell anyone and go straight to the priests?
- What physical form of humility did the leper show Jesus?
- What can you learn about Jesus from this story?
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Part 7: Jesus heals the servant of a Roman centurion
“5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
Matthew 8:5-13
Faith is the key message in this story. In this passage, a Roman centurion had a praralyzed servant for whom he was seeking healing. This Roman soldier approached Jesus, and the first word out of his mouth was “Lord!”
As you reed this story, notice the centurion’s humble faith. He understood the power of submission under autority. He truly believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. And look at how Jesus responded. He was astonished!
This man’s humble and faithful approach was eye opening. He didn’t demand that Jesus healed the servant, nor did he give reasons of how great he was as a person to deserve it. He believed Jesus had authority and ability over the illness, so that He could heal if He wanted to, so he asked.
Questions:
- What did you learn about faith from this story?
- What does it say about this centurion that he asked for healing for his servant and not for himself?
- How does physical distance effect God’s ability to heal? Does it make a difference for you?
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Part 8: Peter’s mother-in-law is healed
“14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.
15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.“
Matthew 8:14-15
The account of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law is in three of the four Gospels. Jesus had just left Capernaum and went to Peter and Andrew’s house. Luke’s account says she was suffering from a high fever. Back in those days, one could die whe being ill like that. Jesus went in, touched her hand, and the fever left her. Immediately, she got up and began to wait on Him.
When we’re sick, we are dependent on others to serve us. What a delight that once healed, she wanted to serve Jesus.
Questions:
- Did Peter’s mother-in-law ask Jesus to heal her?
- What jumped out at you from this passage on healing?
- What do you think Jesus want us to do after our healing?
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Part 9: Healing by night
Matthew 8:16-17
Evening came to Capernaum where Jesus was visiting. Waiting until evening, loved ones brought their demon-possessed family members and friends to Him. Could it be that these caregivers had been in hiding, waiting for a time when the least amount of people would see their troubled loved ones? Or, could it be the expression of torment was more present during the nighttime hours and they neede help?
As they brought their loved ones, Jesus drove out the spirits with a word. The King of kings and the Lord of lords had the ultimate authority to cast out demons.
That night, Jesus healed all their sick, fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah had said, “Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses” (8:17).
Questions:
- Do you believe that people can be possessed or opressed by demons today?
- The demon-possessed people didn’t come to Jesus on their own. Their loved ones cared for them enough to bring them to Jesus. What do you think of that?
- Do you know someone in your life who may need help to get to Jesus?
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Part 10: Jesus calms the storm
“23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus and His disciples sailed one evening on a small boat across the Sea of Galilee, the equivalent of a large lake. Since it was late, Jesus went to the back of the boat to sleep. Suddenly, a furious storm came without warning, causing winds and waves to rock the boat and seemingly sink it. In desperation the disciples woke up Jesus, fearing they would go down. Upon waking up, Jesus said “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (8:26). Then, He rebuked the wind and the waves. Suddenly, all was calm!
Healing from any disease, cancer or illness is scary. It’s the scary storm in our lives that feels like it will drown us. Sometimes, these illnesses come out of nowhere, threatening our health and lives. It’s only natural to be frightened. just like the disciples were fearful
However scary the storm, the key to this story is Jesus. He was right there with them before the storm, during the raging waters, and afterwards He calmed the storm. With Jesus in our boat, we have the Maker of the heavens and earth who can heal any diseases and calm any storm. If the storm rages, Jesus’ rest is available to us in the midst of the storm. Do we trust Him to do that?
Questions:
- Have you ever allowed fear to overtake you?
- If the disciples were operatng in a spirit of faith istead of fear, hoew might this story look different?
- How can you live in faith istead of fear while you are healing?
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Part 11: Demons and pigs
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
Matthew 8:28-34
Jesus encountered two demon-possessed men who were living in tombs. In other gospel accounts of this story, one of the men was so violent that he broke free from the iron chains meant to restrain him. Peolpe living in the area knew to stay away due to these men.
When jesus spoke to the men, it was the demons who answered. Notice that the demons were actually scared of Jesus. They understood His power and authoity as the Son of God. With one word, Jesus could send them to hell, a place the demons didn’t want to go. The legion of demons begged Jesus not to torture them before their appointed time.
So Jesus commanded the demons to leave the men. And the demons immediately fled finding their next target of torture, a herd of pigs. What a shock it must have been for the townspeople to see these formerly crazy and violent men now in their right minds. They were at peace and feee from the internal prisons that had kept them in bondage for so long.
Questions:
- How did the demon-possessed meb act before Jesus healed them?
- Did you notice the deoms kept speaking for the man? What does that tell you about the possessed men’s minds?
- What did you learn about Jesus’ authority in this passage?
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Part 12: Paralytic on a mat
“1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
Matthew 9:1-8
Jesus had returned to Capernaum, a side-village on the Sea of Galilee. He preached in a home when His talk was interrupted by four guys bringing their paralytic friend or loved one through the roof of the house.
Matthew focuses his attention on Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. The first thing He says to the paralytic man is, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (9:2). At that point, the teachers of the law thought to themselves that Jesus’ words were blasphemous. But He knew axactly what they were thinking. Notice how He associates evil thoughts with the state of their hearts.
Only jesus can forgive sins. Jesus was more concerned with this man’s spiritual condition than his physical condition.
Questins:
- Why do you think Jesus put an emphasis on the forgiveness og sins?
- It says that Jeus knew the thoughts of the teachers of the law. Whay do you think of that?
- To “forgive” means literalle to “cast away”. Once “cast away” the forgiven sin no longer exists. Accepting Christ should also remove the guilt of sin form our souls. Do you still carry around guilt from old sins? If you haven’t asked for forgiveness of your sins and freedom from guilt, what are you waiting for?
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Part 13: Two healings
19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.
21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,
25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.“
Matthew 9:18-26
Today’s passage has two healings in it. First, it was Jairus – a synagogue ruler – who knelt before Jesus as a desperate dad seeking help for his daughter. Jairus said: “My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live” (9:18). Can you imagine having a loved one die, yet still believing this man Jesus could bring them back? Jairus’ faith was so strong that he believed Jesus could bring his daughter back to life.
While this was going on, a woman who had been suffering with bleeding for 12 years scrambled to touch Jesus in a large crowd. She believed that if she could just touch his cloak, she’d be healed. So inching her way into the crowd, she touched Him – and at that very moment she was healed.
But here’s the interesting part of the story. Jesus was walking, and He was surrounded by people crowding up against Him, yet He noticed the faith-filled touch of this one woman on His cloak. The woman was reaching for s very important part og Jesus’ clothing. Scripture tells us that she touched the hem of His garment. This was a significant part of Jesus’ cloak where a tassel or “tzizit” hangs, and represented God’s authority and was a reminder of Hid commandments.
Although many people were crowding around Him and touching Him, it was this woman touched Him that Jesus actuslly felt His power released. There was something different about her touch. Herdeperate act of faith is what caught Hid attetion. He said to her: “thy faith hath made thee whole” (9:22).
Both the woman and Jairus were desperate for healings. Their situastions both seemed hopeless, yet they still sought out Jesus as the only one who could change their fates. And Jesus saw their great faith and granted their individual requests. The Scripture reading ends with Jesus bringing Jairus’ daughter back to life.
Questions:
- Are you in a desperate situation for healing?
- What did you learn from Jairus or the bleeding woman as they sought Jesus?
- What did you leard about Jesus from this story?
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Part 14: Healing two blind men
29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.“
Matthew 9:27-31
Cover your eyes for a second and experience darkness. Now imagine how it must feel like if you can’t see your surroundings. You are dependent on others for help og using your other senses. These two blind men must have heard the amazing stories of those healed by Jesus. Imagine them hearing the grateful cries of someone who was touched by Him and healed. So when they heard that He was in town, they followed the voices and cried out for mercy. And Jesus healed them!
Look at what He said to them: “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” (9:28). And their reply showed their reverence for His authority and ability. “Yea, Lord“. And Jesus answered by touching their eyes and saying: “According to your faith be it unto you” (9:29). And their sight was restored immediately.
Qestion:
- Why do you think they asked Jesus to have mercy on them?
- What role do you think their faith played in being receptive to Jesus’ power to heal?
- Do you believe Jesus is able to heal you or your loved one?
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Part 15: Healing a mute
“32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.“
Matthew 9:32-34
Think about someone you know that you have seen daily for years. Now imagine if that person was mute and have never spoken a word in your presence. if that person was able to speak to you, it would be a miracle that you would never forget.
People brought a demon-possessed man to Jesuds to be healed. The demon caused the man not to speak. Jesus cast out the demon and his voice was restored.
Now imagine what he must have said for the first time! I’m sure he had a lifeime of things that he wanted to say in that moment. It must have been a sight! The crowd said: “It was never so seen in Israel” (9:33).
Questions:
- What do you think about the fact that a deomn caused him to be mute?
- It says the man was brought to Jesus for healing, meaning he couldn’t seek Jesus for himself. Are there people today in similar situations?
- We know that not all caces of infirmity are the results of demonic possession or opression. What does this passage reveal to you about Jesus’ power in every need for healing or deliverance?
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Part 16: Jesus has compassion on the crowds
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.“
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus travelled through the towns and villages teaching, preaching and healing every disease and sickness. This Scripture makes a point to describe the crowds He encountered as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a Shepherd. But the Good Shepherd had arrived and was able to meet their every need.
Jesus saw these heavily burdened people with eyes of compassion. But He didn’t just see their physical ailments, He saw what burdened their hearts and souls. He saw a dield of people ripe for spiritual harvest, and He challenged His disciples to pray and ask the Lord to send more workers.
Qustions:
- Have you ever felt beaten down and helpless like the crowd here?
- What does this tell you about Jesus’ desire for healing beyond the physical?
- What is our role when it comes to the harvest field?
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Part 17: Authority to heal
4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 10:1-8
In the military, commanders delegate authority to those serving under them. For certain tasks, these subordinates are allowed to act and make decisions without seeking approval from higher headquaters.
In this passage, Jesus delegates authority to the 12 disciples to drive our evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Can you imagine having thar kind of power? When humbly submitted to Jesus’ authority, the disciples were able to do miracles and heal by the power of Jesus.
Questons:
- Why do you think Jesus gave the disciples the authority to drive out demons and heal the sick?
- Do you believe Jesus still gives that authority today?
- How do you think Gud heals people today?
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Part 18: Weary and burdened
“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“
Matthew 11:28-30
When we or a loved one is struggling with pain, a disease or an illness, it’s a huge burden we can carry with us daily. That burden can manifest anxiety, stress, depression, worry, disillusionment, weakness and fear of the future.
Jesus gives us a great illustration of how He’s willing to walk with us side by side and carry our burdens. Have you ever seen a pair of oxen being yoked? The yoke is a wooden beam that connects two oxen to enable them to pull a heavy load. So Jesus is saying that when we are worried and burdened, we should pair up with Him.
Jesus desires us to walk side by side with Him, to learn from Him. Together, yoked with Jesus, we can all handle heavier loads and accomplish far more. He describes His yoke as easy, but there is still work to be done. In the spiritual world, being yoked with Him is an act of faith. It’s not a wooden piece you hang over your shoulders, but means coming into a yoked and submitted relationship with Jesus. It means we are not facing our lives alone.
Questions:
- What is weighing you down?
- An “easy yoke” is a “custom yoke” of a particular animal, so it does not chafe or hurt when it is worn. What does it mean to you to drop your yoke and come under the “easy yoke” of Jesus?
- How does that make you feel to think about joining up with the “Yoke-Master” who is gentile and humble in heart?
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Part 19: Healing a man’s hand
“9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.“
Matthew 12:9-14
This story is a great example of obedience when it may not seem to make sense. A man had a shriveled hand. If you’ve ever seen people with certain disorders or ailments that curl up their hands, it would be impossible to strech it out.
Notice that Jesus didn’t say: “Show me your hand.” That would have made sense and had been practical, but He said: “Stretch forth thine hand” (12:13). That required the guy to obey and do what didn’t seem possible. But as he started movinghis arm and hand towards Jesus, he activated his faith. The result was that Jesus restored his hand, just as sound as the other one.
Questions:
- What could God ask you that would stretch your faith if you were to obey?
- Do you think the man would have been healed if he simply showed his hand?
- Is there somethinh you’re afraid to do that God is asking you?
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Part 20: Jesus heals a blind and mute man
23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.“
Matthew 12:22-30
In this passage, Jesus heals a blind and mute man who was demon-possessed. The people who saw this healing were astonished and wondered if He was the Son of David, yet not everyone in the crowd was for Him. The Pharisees accused Jesus of working for the devil. Jesus knowing their thoughts, admonished them about creating division amongst the people.
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation” (12:25).These Pharisees were not there to celebrate the healing of this man. They were there to cause division. Jesus warned them: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (12:30). In this passage, when Jesus saw those suffering from attacks of the enemy, He asserted His authority to gather and destroy the evil spirits. He accused the Pharisees who oppsed Him of scattering those spirits abroad. In doing this, He teaches us how to stand firm in spiritual warfare, explaining that one must bind the enemy (“the strong man” 12:29) in order to rob him of his victims.
In order for us to do this, He has given believers the right to pray in the authority of HIS NAME to bind and gag harassing enemy spirits, and command them to leave our presence and send them to Jesus for their ultimate destruction.
Questions:
- Have you experienced people who cause division?
- Why is unity in ministry important to Jesus?
- In light of this passage, what do you think Jesus meant when He said “the kingdom of God is come unto you” (12:28)?
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Part 21: The faith/miracle connection
“10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Matthew 13:10-17
“53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.“
Matthew 13:53-58
Calloused (hardened) hearts are at the core of this passage. Jesus explains why He preaches in parables speaking words from Isaiah’s prophecy:
Jesus mentions the multi-factors involved in true understanding of the Gospel – eyes, ears and heart. Healing was brought forth from a heart of faith and belief. Jesus was later preaching in His hometown of Nazarath, but people couldn’t wrap their minds around the fact that this son of the local carpenter could preform miracles. And because of their lack of faith, Jesus didn’t do many miracles there.
There is a strong connection between faith and healing. God even says in Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Where does faith come from? Romans 10:17 reminds us: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 1 Corinthians 12:9 says that such faith is granted as a gift of the Spirit.
Questions:
- How can a calloused heart impact healing?
- Why do you think God pute an importance on faith?
- Do you think you have to get more faith to produce results?
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Part 22: Serving while grieving
Matthew14:13-14
Jesus had just gotten word that His cousin, John the Baptist, had been executed by Herod. Upon hearing the news, Jesus got on a boat to be by Himself,. He used this time of grieving to seek and be alone with His heavenly Father. As the Son of God and the Son of man, He was grieving and needed to be comforted.
When He landed on the shore, a crowd was there to meet Him, believing that He could heal the sick. Notice what He did when He saw them. He had compassion on them and met their needs. Even in His grief stricken state, He was focused on helping others.
Sometimes serving others while you yourself is grieving or hurting is a great way to take focus off your situation for a bit. That alone has a healing effect.
Questions:
- When you have grieved the loss of someone, how did you respond?
- Have you taken time alone with your heavenly Father?
- What might be the benefits of serving others while you grieve or heal?
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Part 23: Fixing your eyes on Jesus
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.“
Matthew 14:22-32
Picture this. You are out on a boat late at night. Whinds are whipping around you, the boat is ricking, and you don’t feel safe. Then, you see a figure walking on the wayer, looking like gjost. How would you react?
Peter called out to Jesus and said: “ Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” (14:28). That’s bold! And when Jesus told him to come, he stepped out onto the water into the miraculous.
But here’s the lesson for any of us that are in a process of healing or in a turbulent part of life: Peter walked on the water when he had his eyes fixed on Jesus. When he looked at his circumstances and saw the strong winds, he lost faith and began to sink. And who was there to catch him but Jesus?
If we focus on our illnesses, pains og bad diagnosis and not the all-powerful great Physician, our emotions and outlook will sink. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus who is there no matter how scary your situation is.
Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus chose to meet the disciples in this fashion?
- As you or your loved one is battling an illness, do you naturally focus on your circumstances or on God who can change them?
- What practical ways can you begin to fix your eyes on Jesus daily?
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Part 24: Reaching out
“34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
Matthew 14:34-36
Jesus and the disciples arrived at a small town and word spread quickly that the healer was present. People from all over brought their sick loved ones in the hope that Jesus would heal them.
All who touched Jesus were healed. Notice the words in this story, “many as touched were made perfectly whole” (14:36). Touching required that the sick person would have to stretch beyond their comfort zone, push past the pain and reach out. The Bibel doesn’t say all the sick were healed that day, but only the sick who touched Jesus. They demonstrated an act of faith by mustering any strength they had to reach out to Jesus. He was their great Physician and ultimately their Healer.
Questions:
- Have you ever felt so desperate that you’d do anything to be healed?
- What did the ones who were healed do that was different?
- What did you learn about Jesus in these verses?
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Part 25: Interrupting Jesus
“21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.
27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
Matthew 15:21-28
In this passage, Jesus was visiting a home in Tyre and Sidon. He was visiting the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, outside of Israel. The Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus wanted to keep His presence a secret, but word got out quickly. A Canaanite woman interrupted His slitude and finding Him begged Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. His disciples, trying to protect His time alone, wanted to send her away, but she kept persisting. Begging, pleading, interrupting, she would not give up until she had an audience with Jesus.
Look at what she said as she knelt before Him. “Lord, help me” (15:25). This is a weary mum at her wits end, yet she believed Jesus could heal her young daughter. Remember that this woman refused to be put off.
Scripture tells us that she was not an Israelite but a Canaanite, whom the Jews called “dogs”. Even though dogs are beloved pets, there is a time and place to be fed. Jesus tested her faith with this analogy: “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs” (15:26). Her response was humble, faith-filled and acknowledged that she knew who He was, her Master.
It was because of her great faith that Jesus healed her daughter that very hour.
Questions:
- How can you see yourself in this story? Are you the woman begging Jesus? Are you the disciples trying to keep her away? Can you relate to both?
- Too many times we are asking for what we want right now on our time. How does faith play a part in being persistent?
- What did you learn about Jesus in this story?
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Part 26: Healing brings praise
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.“
Matthew15:29-39
Jesus had just been in the region of Tyre and Sidon. Ha came back to the Sea of Galilee and sat down on a mountainside. Once He got there, crowds came looking for healing.
They did not come to hear a good sermon or message. They came seeking a man who they believed could heal their loved ones. For three days they brought the lame, blind, mute and crippled, all to be healed. The miracle was that jesus healed them all. This resulted in a huge priase party for God.
But then another miracle was yet to come. these people had not eaten in three days and instead of jesus sending them away hungry, He had compassion on them. He asked His disciples what they had available to them – seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.
What’s beautiful about this passage is that we never see the reproductio of the fish and loaves all in one place. Instead, Jesus breaks the loaves and passes them on to the disciples, who in turn break passed them on, and it continues until everyone is fed and seven basketfuls are left over. In the end, because a few people surrendered their last meal, 4.000 men pluss women and children had their fill.
Notice they started with seven loaves and ended up with seven basketfuls. Jesus used their offerings and multiplied it beyond their need.
Questions:
- What was the end result of healing the multitudes of people?
- What are the lessons that we can learn from this story about trust and surrender?
- Is there something in your life that you are holding on to that God can use to help others?
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Part 27: Jesus heals a boy
16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.“
Matthew 17:14-21
Parents struggling with sick children are themselves caught in a great struggle. They would do anything to take the disease, pain or illness from their children, yet – sadly – they can’t. The father in this story was in a desperate situation. He had a son who was being spiritually and physically tortured by demons. In this account, we have an insider’s view of how much the little boy was being tortured. It describes seizures and attempts to end his life by being thrown into the fire or water. Can you imagine how hopeless the father must have been? This man had already sought the help of the disciples to get rid of the demon, but to no avail. His final measure was to seek Jesus.
When he approached Jesus, the man knelt down, dejected and weary and described the torture of the tormenting spirits. But the enemy was about to lose this battle. Jesus rebuked the spirit and healed the man’s son.
When we or a loved one are sick or spirituallt tortured, we can learn from the in this story. Let Jesus be your first stop, not your last. He is your Comforter, your Shepherd, your Encourager, your Strength and your Protector. He holds your life in His hands and will walk with you in any storm you might face.
Questions:
- What does the posture of the father’s approach to Jesus say to you?
- Why do you think the disciples couldn’t remove the spirit?
- What kind of chages can we put in our lives so that we are running to Jesus first and not last?
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Part 28: The squeeky wheel
“29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
Matthew 20:29-34
You may have heard the phrase “the squeeky wheel gets oiled”. Tgese blind meb were the squeeky wheels in the story. They heard Jesus was passing by and yelled to get His attention. They probably had heard Ha was a great healer and had nothing to lose by trying to get His attention. They yelled so loud that the crowd told them to be quiet. Then, instead of quiteing down or doing what was socially correct, they risked embarresmentr and yelled even louder: “Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David” (20:30).
How many times do we pray once and then give up when we don’t see the answer quickly? Do we pray louder and more impassioned? Desperate cries to God sometimes yield some of His biggest miracles.
Questions:
- Is there something you have prayed for but given up when you don’t see the answer?
- What would you tell Jesus if He asked you: “What will ye that I shall do unto you?” (20:32)?
- What was Jesus’ reaction to them as they yealled for His attention?
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Part 29: Jesus, the empathic Saviour
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.“
Matthew 26:36-46
Have you ever been in a time of deep sorrow and anxiety? Did your circumstances overwhelm your heart to the point of death? If you have felt that way before, you are in good company. Jesus felt like that when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane. As fully human, He dreaded the pain and suffering of going to the cross. He knew what was to come, and yet Scripure tells us that Jesus prayed and asked God to take the cup away from Him. His final surrender was not His will, but the Father’s will be done. Talk about surrendering the outcome. Jesus was fully the Son of God, and He knew that dying on the cross was the ultimate way to conquer death and provide salvation for all who believe.
When we shift our focus to His disciples in the account, what do we see? Jesus described the state of His soul as being “exceeding sorrowful, even unto death” (26:38). At that moment, He saught support from His friends, asking them to keep watch and pray with Him. To His disappointment, they fell asleep, and Jesus admonished Peter about not being able to stay alert for one hour. He then tells His disciples: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (26:41).
If you ever feel you are going it alone in your healing journey, be encouraged that Jesus feels your pain and understands the deep trouble and anxiety you face. In fact, He won’t let you go alone. As your empathic Saviour, He’ll carry you through it.
Questions:
- Does it comfort you to see that Jesus also struggled with sorrow?
- Do you have a “cup” you’ve been asking God to take away from you?
- How does prayer change your circumstances?
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Part 30: Jesus is resurrected
“1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.“
Matthew 28:1-20
These passages are centred on our utimate path to healing and conclude with the great commission to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey what Jesus had commanded. The account of Jesus’ resurrection begins with His grieving friend, Mary, who went at the crack of dawn to visit His tomb. She was visiting her loved one’d gravesite when what seemed like a violent earthquake was an angel of the Lord whose appearance was full of splendour and glory. He passed along an important message that was to be shared with everyone: “Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (28:5-6).
With the greatest event in history having taken place, you would think that the chief priests and “men of the cloth” would be rejoycing, but insead – they were scheming and devising plans for a cover-up (28:13-15). We don’t hear of Jesus being distracted by the schemes and lies, instead we see Him focused on the goal. With all authority of heaven and earth given to Him, He charges His disciples with a great commission: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (28:19). That includes baptizing them in the name of the Gathe, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that He had commanded. The best part is that Jesus didn’t leave them alone. With comforting words, He says: “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (28:20).
Without this cricial event in history, we would still be slaves to sin with bo means of atonement. Jesus was crucified on the cross, buried, and then raised to new life so that we could have eternal life. The Gospel of Matthew is the true account of Jesus whose life and death pointed to our Father on heaven. Everything He did was for His Fathers will, and was to bring salvation to all people. The healing accounts teach us so much about a Saviourthat cares more aboutour wholeness than just our physical healings. Did you know that the word wholeness also means salvation?
Without the forgiveness of sins, we are walking around in spiritual bondage. Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins and our resrrection leads to the ultimate healing, no matter if your physical body is ever fully restored on earth. Through His resurrectionand the forgiveness of our sins, we have an eternal home with eternal bodies that will never fail us or need healing again.
As you heal, have you sought Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins? If you haven’t asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life and to forgive your sins, I would like to invite you to do that now. Receiving God’s salvation – the gift of eternal life – is as easy as A, B, C.
A. Adimt that you’re a sinner
B. Believe that Jesus died for you on the cross
C. Confess that He is the Lord of your life from now on.
After we have received Jesus as our own personal Saviour, we still need to daily surrender to His will. Only a walk with Him (living close to Him, following Jesus will for your life) will give you His peace, love and healing.
Questions:
- Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins?
- What dose wholeness mean to you?
- What is Jesus calling you to do?
THE END
Rev. Lars Haukeland - studies 