How can we apply Jesus' healing power in our lives today? Setting the Scene: Jesus Straightens a Woman Bent for Eighteen Years Luke 13:13: “Then He placed His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God.” What We Learn from This Moment • A personal touch: Jesus placed His hands on her—He was not distant. • Instant change: “Immediately she straightened up.” No gradual therapy; full, literal healing. • Response of worship: “She…began to glorify God.” Healing points us to praise. Jesus Still Heals—Biblical Foundations • Exodus 15:26: “I am the LORD who heals you.” He declared His character long before Christ’s earthly ministry. • Isaiah 53:5: “By His stripes we are healed.” The cross secures wholeness—body, soul, spirit. • Matthew 8:16-17 links Isaiah to Jesus’ healings, showing the prophecy fulfilled in real time. • Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” What He did then, He can do now. • James 5:14-16 lays out church practice—anointing with oil, prayer of faith, confession of sin—for ongoing healing ministry. Inviting His Healing Power into Daily Life 1. Draw near with faith • Approach Jesus like the woman did—no other agenda but to receive. • Mark 5:34 reminds us: “Your faith has healed you.” 2. Ask specifically for His touch • Luke 18:41—Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Be clear and expectant. 3. Receive ministry through the body of Christ • Call trusted believers to lay hands on you (James 5). • Participate in communion, remembering the healing secured at the cross (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 4. Renounce spiritual bondage • Luke 13:16 reveals Satan bound the woman. Identify and cast off any foothold of the enemy (Ephesians 4:27). 5. Obey any instruction He gives • John 9:7—The blind man had to wash in Siloam. Simple obedience often positions us to receive. 6. Speak words of life • Proverbs 18:21—Life and death are in the tongue. Align speech with God’s promise, not the problem. 7. Glorify God—before and after • Praise is faith in action. The woman glorified God immediately; do the same while waiting and after breakthrough. Seeing Healing Beyond Ourselves • Pray for others; freely give what you’ve freely received (Matthew 10:8). • Share testimonies; they build faith (Revelation 12:11). • Extend compassion to those still waiting; comfort with the comfort you’ve been given (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Living Expectantly Daily invite the hand of Jesus over your health, relationships, emotions, and circumstances. The Savior who straightened a weary woman in Luke 13:13 continues to restore and renew anyone who comes to Him today. |
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