Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
In today’s passage, we find Jesus’ ministry gaining steam. As he travels, miracles accompany his preaching, and the crowds following him grow larger and larger. We need miracles in our lives today, perhaps more than the people needed them 2,000 years ago. So, how can we experience them? Here are ten ways to release God’s healing power.
One, through repentance. This is invariably the starting point for most miracles. As the chronicler wrote: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Two, through our faith. As Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23).
Three, through the faith of others. On one occasion, when Jesus returned home, some men brought a paralyzed man to him. Scripture says that “when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven,” and he healed the man.
Four, through the prayers of others. James says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
Five, through prayers made in the name of Jesus. Jesus said: “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). This doesn’t mean we use it as a magic word; we need to understand what it means to pray “in the name of Jesus.”
Six, through the laying of hands. Jesus said his followers would place their hands on sick people, and they would get well (see Mark 16:18).
Seven, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Healing is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit that Paul wrote about (see 1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
Eight, through elders and anointing oil (see James 5:14-15).
Nine, through speaking the word. In powerful words that I am often fond of quoting, Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” (Mark 11:23).
Ten, through the power of agreement. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).
And, finally, here’s a bonus way. Through medicine! I bet you never saw that coming, but medicine is a gift from God, no? I hold a prayer service every Wednesday and Sunday on Zoom and we see miracles taking place constantly; if you want to attend (or place a petition), WhatsApp +971506258365.
May the Spirit be with you.