HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in MatthewSample

Jesus is Resurrected

These passages are centered on our ultimate path to healing and conclude with the great commission to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey what Jesus had commanded. The account of Jesus’ resurrection begins with his grieving friend, Mary, who went at the crack of dawn to look at his tomb. She was visiting her loved one’s gravesite when what seemed like a violent earthquake, was an angel of the Lord whose appearance was full of splendor and glory. He passed along an important message that was to be shared with everyone: “Jesus, who was crucified is not here; He has risen, just as he said.”

With the greatest event in history having taken place, you would think that the chief priests and “men of the cloth” would be rejoicing, but instead - they were scheming and devising plans for cover-up. We don’t hear of Jesus being distracted by the schemes and lies, instead we see Him focused on the goal. With all authority of heaven and earth given to him, He charges his disciples with a great commission: “to go and make disciples of all nations”. That includes baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that he had commanded. The best part is that Jesus didn’t leave them alone, with comforting words he says: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Without this crucial event in history, we would still be slaves to sin with no means of atonement. Jesus was crucified on a cross, buried, and then raised to new life so that we can have eternal life. The gospel of Matthew is the true account of Jesus whose life and death pointed to our Father in Heaven. Everything He did was for His Father’s will and was to bring salvation to all people. The healing accounts teach us so much about a Savior that cares more about our wholeness, than just our physical healings. Did you know that the word wholeness also means salvation?

Without the forgiveness of sins, we are walking around in spiritual bondage. Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins and his resurrection leads to the ultimate healing, no matter if your physical body is ever fully restored here on earth. Through his resurrection and the forgiveness of our sins, we have an eternal home with eternal bodies that will never fail us or need healing again.

As you heal, have you sought Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins? If you haven’t asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life and to forgive your sins, we want to invite you to do that now. Pray this simple prayer out loud and in your heart:

“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust you as my Lord and Savior. Please help me to daily surrender to your will. In Jesus name, amen.”

Questions:

1. Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins?

2. What does wholeness mean to you?

3. What is Jesus calling you to do?

If you prayed that prayer, please let us know! We’d love to hear from you! We have an amazing prayer team at HealingStrong that prays for each prayer request. Please email us at: prayerrequest@healingstrong.org

HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in the Gospels: Matthew was written by Cheryl Collins, a volunteer with HealingStrong, a non-profit organization of community groups designed to help those battling cancer and other diseases to rebuild the body, restore the soul, and refresh the spirit. We’re here to walk with you on any healing journey! Find us online at Healingstrong.org.

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