When we think about supernatural healing it is important to consider the authority behind such abilities. Doctors use skills and knowledge of science and medicine. But God is the Author of the miraculous as well. The Roman or Gentile mind (for whom Mark’s Gospel was written) was much more concerned with what Jesus DID than His connection to Judaism. As we review and investigate what Jesus accomplished which is recorded in the book of Mark, it is quite important to keep your own soul in mind as you read. Jesus healed physically for sure. But is He not also the Healer of the soul? Note His clarity:
And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” – Mark 8:34-38
Jesus is our healer. No one else can accomplish this. “And hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’ ” – Mark 2:17
As we work through Mark’s Gospel, it is key to see and understand the authority behind the healing.
“They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their religious teachers. Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!” And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.’ Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.” – Mark 1:21-28
This is one of the many pictures we are given of the Son’s authority over human bodies and souls – and the supreme power of forgiveness in healing. As you read Mark it would be a great time to consider the condition of your own soul.
√ In what ways were our souls damaged even before we were born?
√ During our upbringing and growing up years?
√ By others who did not have our best interests at heart?
√ What choices have we each made where we have exposed our souls to things which bring bondage?
Jesus is more than a metaphorical healer. He has the power to heal a soul to the core of our being. He sacrificed His position and His body to heal our souls. To this end we encourage you to pursue healing in Jesus. It requires honesty and humility, but can result in true freedom of heart, soul, and spirit!
The three links below can help guide you through such a process!
Dave and Burnadette
Related Links:
How People Are Healed (video)
Healing
Jesus is Healer