- What types of illnesses and infirmities were healed through Jesus' ministry? From this, what conclusions can you draw about the scope of God's healing power through Jesus Christ?
Matthew 4:23-25 states Jesus went throughout Galilee healing every disease and sickness among the people. Nothing is too hard for Him.
Jeremiah 32:27 "I am the Lord , the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
- Do you find any common characteristics among the people to whom Jesus ministered? If so, describe.
No, Jesus' healing is for all. The OSL study really shows that each healing is individual - there are no "hard and fast" rules to rely on, we must rely on God. The study also shows how Jesus is always concerned with the "whole" person - not just one aspect of the person's life.
- What conclusions can you draw about the kinds of people to whom Jesus ministered? In which accounts were the persons in need friends or acquaintances of Jesus?
Jesus' healing is for all. Account 23 - Lazarus and account 3 - Simon-Peter's Mother-in-law are accounts where Jesus knew the persons.
- In how many of the 26 Gospel studies is faith a factor in healing? 20
In how many is faith not expressed in any way?
Accounts 2, 6, 9, 21, 22, 26.
Based on these statistics what conclusions can you draw regarding the relationship between faith and healing?
Faith is important and should be encouraged, but it is not always necessary in order for healing to take place.
- List those acts in the Gospel studies other than verbal statements which you consider evidence of faith.
- Taking Jesus at His Word (Obey) - Accounts 1, 8, 19, 24
- Kneeling before Jesus (Humble) - Accounts 4, 10
- Earnestly seeking Jesus (Seek) - Accounts 5, 11, 12, 13, 15, 25
- Seeking Jesus to give thanks (Thank) - Account 24
- Touch - Account 11
- Following Jesus after being healed (After Care) - Account 25
- Act of bringing people to Jesus for healing - Account 5
- How would you react to this comment if it were made to a sick person, "If you only had more faith you could be healed"?
Faith is a gift, it's not something you can earn.
1 Cor 12:7-11 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
Several accounts show healing when no faith was expressed. (see question 4)
The is a difference between lack of faith and willful disbelief.
- What would be your answer to a person who said to you, "I hear you belong to the Order of St. Luke the Physician, so you are involved in faith healing"?
You don't need to be a christian for "faith healing". Healing can take place even when the person has faith in something other than Jesus (ex. account 6 - Man at Pool).
The OSL believes that Jesus heals. We are involved with sharing Jesus (the kingdom of God) with people, sometimes this involves healing.
- In each healing instance there was one person present who never doubted nor questioned God's interest, ability and willingness to heal. Who was the person? How does this affect our practice of the healing ministry today?
Jesus is present at every healing. Jesus is always "in tune" with God's will. We should always invite Jesus and try to listen and obey.
- What different methods did Jesus use to perform His healing ministry? Give specific examples. How many of these methods are available to us today?
- Laying on of Hands - accounts 3, 4, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26
- Jesus not always physically present - accounts 1, 8, 15, 24
- Jesus Authority "Commands" Healing - accounts 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23
- Forgiveness - accounts 5
- Thanks - accounts 24
- Did Jesus pray for healing in any of the 26 encounters studied? When and where did Jesus do His praying?
Jesus did His praying alone - before He ministered.
- In what ways were other people involved in the healing ministry of Jesus? Give specific answers.
- Woman Bent Double -
Luke 13:15 shows healing is part of everyday care.
- Man with Dropsy -
Luke 14:5 shows healing is also for emergencies or special circumstances.
- Bartimaeus -
Mark 10:49 shows others encouraged Bartimaeus to go to Jesus. Encouragement is a gift of the Spirit -
Rom 12:8.
- What verses in the 26 studies and the other healing passages lead us to believe that we not only can, but should share in the healing ministry?
see #11
- In what ways can we, today, be involved in Jesus' healing ministry?
Prayer, music, visit elderly.
- Discuss each of the following - to minister healing, must I:
Be a believer? Yes, Jesus needs to be present for healing.
Be a member of a church? No, only Jesus' presence is required. Being with the body of christ does encourage healing.
Have faith? No, only Jesus' presence is required. Having faith does encourage healing.
Prepare through prayer? No, but prayer does encourage healing.
Study scripture? No, but studying scripture does encourage healing.
Pray as an intercessor? No, but prayer does encourage healing.
Lay on hands? No, but this may encourage healing.
Touch? No, but this may encourage healing.
Anoint with oil? No, but this may encourage healing.
Belong to OSL? No, but this may encourage healing.
Be ordained? No, the healing ministry can be led by lay people.
- To what extent do you believe that Jesus' ministry of healing should be a normal part of the life of every congregation?
There are several ways to include the healing ministry:
a special night, a special service, special prayer by a priest, special prayer by lay people, praise music, ...
- How is God calling you to be involved in the healing ministry of Jesus?
We were led to join OSL.
We are being led to a prayer ministry.
We are being led to a music ministry.