Introduction to the Healing Ministry: "Jesus Heals Today!" - Lesson 1
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Aug 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Key text: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” — Matthew 9:35
If Jesus were to enter your city or village today — where would he find sick people going: to hospitals, to traditional healers, or to a healing service at church?
Introduction
In a society grappling with sickness, stress, and wounds of the soul, the voice of Christ still says: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). The healing ministry is not just a miraculous phenomenon; it is a continuation of Jesus’ compassionate work for broken people. This lesson opens our eyes to see the healing ministry not as something extraordinary for a few, but as a calling for the entire church.
By studying this lesson, students will understand the true meaning of the healing ministry, the difference between spiritual, physical, and psychological healing, and how the Hebrew concept of shalom aims for complete human well-being. The ability to understand and practice this ministry will enable the church to be a true center of hope for the broken.
1. The Healing Ministry is a Real Work of Jesus.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me… to heal the brokenhearted.” — Luke 4:18 (Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:32–34)
Jesus’ ministry involved healing people physically, spiritually, and psychologically. He did not just teach, but He touched people’s wounds. He acted with His hands, wept with those who grieved, and raised the one lying on the mat (Matthew 8:3; John 11:35; Mark 2:11–12). This is not a peripheral ministry — it is the heart of the Gospel.
2. God's Healing Involves Body, Soul, and Spirit.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (John 5:6; Psalm 147:3)
Sometimes we think healing is just recovery from illness. But the Bible shows that God’s shalom is complete peace — without physical pain, without shame in the heart, and without spiritual separation. Jesus heals deeply – from the inside out. This is an invitation to believe that He doesn't heal just one part of life, but touches every area of need (Isaiah 53:4–5; Luke 8:48).
3. The Healing Ministry is Not a Substitute for Medicine, But a Complement to God's Grace.
“Jesus answered, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.’” — Luke 5:31 (Jeremiah 8:22; 2 Kings 20:7)
Jesus did not oppose medical treatment. He sent Hezekiah to use medicine (2 Kings 20:7); Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach (1 Timothy 5:23). The healing ministry complements medicine, it does not contradict it. It’s like praying while in the hospital — God uses all means for His mercy. This shows cooperation between faith and medicine – not competition but a continuation of God's compassion for one's neighbor (Luke 10:34).
4. Not All the Sick Are Healed Instantly – But God's Compassion is Never Delayed.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Mark 8:22–25; John 11:3–6)
Jesus delayed for Lazarus with a purpose (John 11:6), healed the blind man in stages (Mark 8:22–25), and even Paul was not healed of his thorn (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). The goal is not just to see signs of healing, but the healing ministry walks with us through the valley of suffering until we reach the hope of glory (Romans 8:18; Psalm 23:4). Thus, the healing ministry encourages patience and enduring faith even when answers are sought for a long time (Psalm 27:14; Romans 8:25).
5. The Church is a Center for Community Healing.
“they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” — Mark 16:18 (James 5:14–16; Acts 5:15–16)
The healing ministry is not the work of just one gifted individual. It is the calling of the entire church — believers, elders, pastors, even youth in prayer. When we cooperate in prayer and compassion, the church becomes a hospital for the soul, not just a lecture hall. It is a place where people are received without judgment and nurtured with the love of Christ (Hebrews 10:24–25; Galatians 6:2).
Discussion Questions
How often have you seen or witnessed the healing ministry directly impact someone’s life?
What makes you believe (or doubt) that the healing ministry is valid today?
Why do you think this ministry is not widely seen in many churches?
Homework Assignment
Reflect: Visit one sick person this week — not just to pray but to listen and comfort them.
Write a healing prayer that you can use for someone going through inner sorrow or physical pain.
Read Psalm 103 and list 5 healing graces that God provides.
Summary
The healing ministry is the heart of Jesus’ service. It is the calling of every believer to be an instrument of comfort, not just a witness of faith. Through this ministry, the Gospel is seen, not just heard. Jesus still heals — through you, through your prayer, in your compassion.
Next lesson: Biblical Foundations of the Healing Ministry – Jesus as the Great Healer.
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