Anyone familiar with Jesus’ ministry in the New Testament knows that he didn’t withhold his power to heal. In fact, the many miracles he publicly performed were proof of his promise to overcome.
On his own excruciating journey to resurrection, he suffered all forms of affliction—similar to those he healed for others. He was outcast, made lame, bleeding, and was even taken (for a time) by death.
But because we know Jesus is God made flesh, we can hear him speaking to us from the very beginning, as far back as Exodus 15 where he is referred to as Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals.
Jesus desires that we believe, even today, that bringing him our struggles, wounds, or sins can generate healing and hope. His healing may not look the way we want it to, or actualize within our agenda or timeframe, but his power to heal is both true and miraculous, even today.
Let’s consider five ways Jesus still heals today:
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1. Jesus Heals Loneliness
Stories of Jesus’ miraculous healing are recorded 22 times in the Synoptic Gospels. A majority of these miracles show Jesus ministering to the marginalized.
In these healing accounts, where he touches the “unclean” or converses with the “outsider,” he is showing us that rejection is harmful...and his way is restorative. His healing word and touch removes the pain of exclusion, and includes all humanity in his love.
Through these accounts, it becomes evident that even when people are shunned or ridiculed, Jesus stands with them. Loving them, touching them, being their light. And although we cannot see God in the flesh as the person of Jesus right now, he has sent the Holy Spirit to intercede for us, and his presence is palpable when we seek his guidance.
In fact, one of God’s most abiding messages is that you are not alone (Isaiah 41:10). Even when you can’t see him, Immanuel still means “God with us.” And by gathering all to him, including the rejected or lonely, Jesus shows us how to live in his healing today.
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12).
When any of us feels the pain of loneliness, we can come to the well and fill up on his strength and presence. Then, we can live in the light by letting someone else know they’re also not alone.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).
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2. Jesus Heals the Sickness of Sin
Jesus’ primary passion is to restore us in right relationship with God. When he heals the paralyzed man in Luke 4:18, he completes his message by assuring him, "...your sins are forgiven." This spiritual healing of our sin patterns reconciles us with our Creator, even today.
Jesus literally has power to cast out demons, as we see in Mark 5 and Mark 9. You may have seen this in your own life if you’ve ever prayed for someone who was trapped in sin to be set free. Or maybe that someone was you.
In fact, 1 Peter 2:24 reminds us, “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
When a woman, bleeding for 12 long years, longs to just touch the edge of Jesus’ garment, knowing she will be healed, Jesus responds. In Mark 5:34 he says, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
This illustrates the spiritual healing available today through faith. It’s a picture of how you can turn to him and believe that your sin-sick soul can be renewed.
Jesus offers forgiveness of our sins, and invites us to “sin no more.” And although we will never be without the propensity for sin, we are given the freedom, through Christ’s redemption, to forgo dangerous habits or paths and be healed by living in the light.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
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3. Jesus Heals Physical Ailments
It’s tempting to read about Jesus healing Jairus’ daughter, renewing a man’s withered hand, giving the blind sight, or healing Malchus’ ear after it had been cut off, and believe that we can direct Jesus’ power to heal our physical ailments, too.
The truth to embrace about Jesus’ ability to heal physical ailments today is that we are complex, integrated beings, created by a God who sees infinitely before and beyond our limitations. Whatever we battle, he is making right in His timing and in His way. And while it’s powerful sustenance to pray for healing, we are welcomed to trust in His timing.
Whether the physical issues you’re experiencing today “go away” or not, Jesus invites us to trust that he uses them for his glory. We may grieve over the loss of our own ability, or grieve as we walk loved ones through illness, but we can know that Jesus will deliver. Pain and death are parts of this world, but these are all overcome by Jesus in eternity.
One of the best ways to recognize Jesus’ power to heal our physical ailments is by honoring him when he does. Even in the little things. That headache that eased when you focused on his majesty. The mind-blowing design of his creation to heal what’s under your bandage while you sleep. The help you received from a doctor or therapist that healed your body, heart, or mind.
When you ask Jesus to move into your physical pain and distress today—and guide you away from it, through it, or by it into his loving hands—you remain open to his beautiful plan.
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4. Jesus Heals Emotional Wounds
No stranger to anguish and wounds, Jesus can handle your lowest and darkest emotions. Through prayer and faith, we have access to freedom, wisdom, and deliverance. Prayer positions your heart toward Jesus and away from your overwhelm.
In fact, Peter, who knew Jesus well, instructs us today to “cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” And if you’re thinking this was just “easy for Peter to say” or do, let’s recall that Peter was one of “little faith” (Matthew 14:31), and also one to deny his association with Christ three times (John 18:15-27). Yet he became a primary ambassador of Jesus’ power to heal.
When you open your heart to Jesus, he can come in and tend to your sleeplessness, anger, bitterness, frustration, fear, depression, and anxiety. He can clear the clouds of confusion and direct your steps. The more you meditate on his promises and power, the more you can confess your need for him. His strength is made perfect in your weakness.
Even today, Jesus can guide us to reach out for help, release our grip on others or circumstances, and have faith that his ways are best.
5. Jesus Heals Hopelessness
Jesus consistently demonstrates that he is the hope that transcends all the struggles of our minds, bodies, and souls. And when he heals, he asks that we go and share the good news with others (Luke 7:22).
Are you feeling isolated, wounded, ashamed, or physically ill? Bring it to Jesus today. There’s nothing he hasn’t experienced, nothing he doesn’t already understand, nothing he can’t do. His ways are not ever going to be your ways, and his power remains an immeasurable mystery. But he is always working all things for the good of those whose hope is in him.
When life becomes the very deep waters (Isaiah 43:2) he promises to walk with us through, have hope that he sees glory where even death may seem finite. He makes everything new, and fills each day with new mercies.
As he refines us through fire, we can still hope today that a new day, designed by him, is already shining.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
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