What steps can we take to support those seeking healing through Christ? Setting the Scene “Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet; and He healed them.” (Matthew 15:30) This verse records an actual, historical moment: multitudes physically carried broken bodies to Jesus, and He literally restored them. The same Lord acts with unchanged power and compassion today (Hebrews 13:8). Step 1: Move Toward Jesus Together • The crowds “came to Him.” Healing begins by drawing near to Christ—through worship services, Bible studies, and personal fellowship focused on His presence (Psalm 16:11). • Believers create an atmosphere of expectancy by gathering around His Word, confident that “He sent out His word and healed them” (Psalm 107:20). Step 2: Carry the Hurting • Friends physically transported the needy. We imitate them by: – Offering rides, meals, child-care, or hospital visits. – Standing in intercessory prayer, much like the four who lowered their friend through the roof (Mark 2:3-5). • Practical help expresses the love that “bears all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Step 3: Lay Needs at His Feet • The crowds “laid them at His feet,” a picture of surrender. Encourage people to hand over every diagnosis, fear, and limitation to Christ. • Philippians 4:6-7 promises God’s peace when requests are made with thanksgiving; that peace guards hearts while waiting for healing. Step 4: Trust His Authority • “And He healed them.” No case proved too difficult. His authority extends over every disease (Matthew 8:16-17). • James 5:15 affirms, “The prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” Pray boldly, believing His will is perfect and His timing sure. Step 5: Stay Compassionate • Jesus’ ministry flowed from compassion (Matthew 14:14). Maintain a gentle, empathetic tone with those in pain: – Listen without rushing. – Speak life-filled words (Proverbs 16:24). – Weep with those who weep and rejoice when breakthroughs come (Romans 12:15). Step 6: Remove Obstacles • Whatever impedes access to Christ—fear, shame, unbelief, even practical barriers like transportation—needs clearing away (Isaiah 57:14). • Churches can provide accessible facilities, online prayer lines, and clear teaching that healing is still in God’s heart. Step 7: Celebrate and Testify • After healing, the crowds glorified God (Matthew 15:31). Celebrating answers inspires fresh faith. • Psalm 103:2-3 urges remembrance: “Bless the LORD, O my soul… who heals all your diseases.” Sharing testimonies magnifies Christ and invites others to trust Him. Step 8: Keep Pointing to the Cross • Physical restoration foreshadows the deeper healing purchased “by His stripes” (1 Peter 2:24). • Help every healed person see the greater gift: reconciliation with God and eternal life. Putting It All Together • Draw near to Jesus. • Carry the hurting through practical help and intercession. • Lay every need at His feet in surrendered prayer. • Trust His sovereign, compassionate authority to heal. • Show consistent compassion and remove obstacles. • Celebrate His works and share the stories. • Anchor every act of healing in the finished work of the cross. |
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