How can we trust Jesus for healing in our own lives? Setting the Scene “When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14 In one brief sentence we glimpse the heart, power, and willingness of the Lord. From this single verse—and its harmony with the rest of Scripture—we discover why we can confidently trust Jesus for healing today. What Matthew 14:14 Reveals About Jesus • Compassionate Heart – He “saw” the people; none were invisible to Him. – He “had compassion”; the Greek word indicates deep gut-level mercy. • Immediate Action – His compassion moved Him to “heal their sick,” not merely to sympathize. • Unlimited Power – No qualifier on the type or number of illnesses: His authority is complete. Why This Matters for Us Now • Hebrews 13:8 — “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – The compassion and power on display at Galilee have not diminished. • Isaiah 53:5 — “By His stripes we are healed.” – The cross secured not only forgiveness but also the basis for God’s healing grace. • Psalm 103:2-3 — “Bless the LORD… who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.” – Redemption and healing are beautifully linked. Foundations for Trusting Jesus with Our Own Needs 1. Remember His Character • Compassion that sees us (Matthew 14:14) • Faithfulness that never changes (Lamentations 3:22-23) 2. Rest on His Finished Work • He bore our sins and sicknesses (1 Peter 2:24). • At the cross, He removed every barrier between us and God’s help. 3. Rely on His Authority • “I am the LORD who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). • A centurion believed Jesus could heal “only say the word” (Matthew 8:8) and was not disappointed. 4. Respond in Faith • A bleeding woman touched His cloak and heard, “Your faith has healed you” (Mark 5:34). • Faith is not wishful thinking but confidence in who He is and what He has promised. 5. Receive through Prayer and Anointing • James 5:14-16 directs the sick to call the elders for prayer and anointing with oil. • Healing is sought actively, not passively. 6. Repent of Known Sin • Jesus sometimes linked healing with forgiveness (Mark 2:5-11). • While not every sickness is caused by personal sin, a clear conscience bolsters confident prayer. 7. Remain in Community • Friends lowered a paralytic through a roof, and “seeing their faith,” Jesus healed (Luke 5:18-20). • Fellowship nurtures faith, supplies encouragement, and multiplies prayer support. Practical Steps Today • Meditate on healing passages daily—let Scripture shape expectation. • Speak God’s promises aloud; confession aligns the heart with truth. • Seek prayer from trusted believers or church leaders. • Thank Jesus for His compassion before seeing results; gratitude strengthens faith. • Continue medical wisdom while trusting the Great Physician—truth and treatment are allies, not enemies. Encouragement to Hold Fast Jesus never turned away a single person who came to Him for healing with humble faith. Matthew 14:14 assures us His heart is moved by compassion, His hand is ready with power, and His invitation still stands: come, believe, and receive. |
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