The Gospel Includes Healing

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
 
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mt 28:19–20 NIV

Was this assignment only for the first apostles? Not at all.

The first apostles did not reach the Japanese and they were never in America. The commission is to make disciples of all nations. This task is not yet complete. For example, there are millions of Hindus in northern India who know nothing about Jesus.

So we all still need to practise and pass on the commandments that Jesus taught his first apostles.

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Mt 10:1 NIV

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Lk 9:1–2 NIV

Sadly, we see some Christians today who emphasise healings and miracles, but without humility and love.

Jesus was different. Jesus healed people because he loved them.

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”
Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Mk 1:40–42 NIV

Jesus has called us to follow in his footsteps. Healing and miracles were not an option for Jesus. They were part of his way of being. That is our task too.

Do you need healing? Is someone in your family sick? Or in your office?

We need to learn to shake off the watered-down Christian faith we've been taught.

Jesus wants to do more for you than you think. Jesus wants to help you. He just loves you.