The King's Authority to Heal

Good Morning Calvary Chapel Lake City! I hope you all had a blessed Christmas…this season that we remember and celebrate the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus!

And, how appropriate that in this Christmas season, we are now transitioning our chapter and verse study through the Gospel of Matthew…finishing the Sermon on the Mount and now looking at Jesus’ authority beginning in Matthew 8:1-Matt 11:1. (Please turn in your Bibles to Matt 8).

Jesus is our Savior and He is our Lord. We talked about this last week as Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount…many will say to Him ‘Lord, Lord,’ but the only true profession is the person who does the will of the Father, and the person that does the sayings of Jesus…that person who is founded on the Rock.

Matthew, throughout this Gospel, has been proving that Jesus is the King and the Messiah to his Jewish audience. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount (the Message of the King), starting in Matt 7:21, Jesus said He had authority…as Lord (master); as the Son of His ‘Father in Heaven’ (making Himself equal with God); as the One who’s name has power for prophesy, exorcising demons, and many wonders; and and as the Judge to declare ‘I never knew you, depart from Me.’ In vss 28-29. The people ‘were astonished at His teachings because He taught them as one having authority” (exousia- authoritative power). All of these claims attest to Jesus’ authority.

And now, in Matt 8:1-11:1, Matthew will demonstrate in various ways that Jesus has authority, again proving Jesus is the King and Messiah. Jesus said He had authority, and now will will see that authority in action.

Today’s message is “The King’s Authority to Heal.” Matt 8:1-17.

Let’s Pray!

Matt 8:1 “When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.”

The Setting: Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount from a hillside near the Sea of Galilee…it wasn’t really a mountain like we think of the Rocky Mountains (over 14,000 feet)…some Bible translations say “mountainside” which is a better depiction, but in that region there are hills. The Mount of Beatitudes is 200 meters elevation (656 feet).

When He came down from the elevated area, there was a multitude of people.

Prior to the Sermon on the Mount, Matt 4:24-5:1 tells us about this multitude… “Then His fame went throughout all Syria [to the West]; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. 25 Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis [South-East], Jerusalem [South], Judea [South-East], and beyond the Jordan [East].” Matt 5:1 “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples.”

Multitudes of people were present before Jesus went with His disciples to the hillside for the Sermon on the Mount. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the multitudes moseyed on up to listen to the sermon. And, now the Sermon is over, Jesus is descending and great multitudes followed Him. I imagine as Jesus descends the crowd grows larger and larger as His fame for healing was now widespread.

Now, if your looking for a chronology of events, Matthew is not your guy. Matthew is writing topically. The purpose of his gospel is to convey to a Jewish audience that Jesus is the King, the Messiah. Matthew weaves together topics together that demonstrate this theme; sometimes at the sacrifice of chronology (which drives me crazy, because I love chronology…it’s how my brain functions). But, thematic versus chronological…one is not better than the other…they are just different.

It’s like a comparison between my wife and myself. I’m chronological, she’s thematic. I’m a Pastor, she’s a worship leader. My brain’s a waffle; her’s is spaghetti. (I’m not knocking spaghetti…I’m Italian…it’s illegal for me to do so.) Spaghetti brained people are spontaneous and fun; and in the end they still get the job done. Waffle heads are rigid and calculated…not nearly as fun as the spaghetti brained. Just hang out with my wife and I for 10 minutes…she’s so much more fun!

Now…don’t think I’m being mean to my wife. Ironically, unbeknownst to her that I was writing waffles and spaghetti analogy, that day she served waffles for breakfast and spaghetti for dinner…true story. And, at breakfast I said to her, “You’re eating my brain.” She said (wide eyed and snarky like), “Oh, I know!” She’s not innocent.

Back to the point…the point is- chronological and thematic writings are just different,...serving different purposes,...reaching different audiences,...both effective. Ones just a little more organized and orderly then the other. Back to Matthew.

So, Matthew 8:1 is chronological…Jesus comes down the hill…there were great multitudes still present, and He is heading to Capernaum

There is a very similar sermon to the Sermon on the Mount in Luke 6 which is often called ‘The Sermon on the Plain.’ If you believe the Sermon on the Mount, and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6) are the same sermon, then Luke 7 / Matt 8:5 would be the following event…Jesus enters Capernaum and heals the Centurion’s servant. Most Harmony of the Gospels use this chronology.

If you believe the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain are different sermons (which I lean towards because there is enough difference in the setting and the sayings); then it is difficult to chronicle what happened when Jesus finished the Sermon on the Mount. But, being that Capernaum was His headquarters, multitudes asked for healing, and Jesus was merciful…it’s quite possible He healed and returned to Capernaum after both of the sermons.

But, again, Matthew’s point in writing is not to record a chronology, but to demonstrate Jesus is King, and he does this from Matt 8:1-11:1 by giving us great detail of the authority Jesus had over many things, and the first is disease- the first example is cleansing a leper (which many scholars believe occurred before the Sermon on the Mount).

Matt 8:2-4 “And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Leprosy is also known as Hansen's disease, after the scientist who discovered the bacteria in 1873. It is suspected that the term “leprosy” in the 1st century applied to not only leprosy in it’s most extreme form, but also to it’s minor skin irritation form, and possible to other skin diseases as well.

From the CDC Website:

(show leprosy slides)

Leprosy is caused by slow-growing bacteria and can take up to 20 years to develop signs of the infection. Approx. 150 people in the U.S. and about 250,000 people (mostly in Africa and Asia) are diagnosed with leprosy each year.

It can affect the eyes, nose, nerves, and skin (mild color changes; mild to severe inflammation; to severe deformities). If left untreated, it can lead to crippling of hands and feet, paralysis and blindness. The nerve damage can cause the affected areas to lose the ability to sense touch and pain, which can lead to injuries, like cuts and burns. Affected digits may be reabsorbed by the body, resulting in the apparent loss of toe and fingers.

The leper in this account seems to be in late stages as Luke records he is “full of leprosy.” Lk 5:12 He was covered in leprosy. His leprosy was mature.

Doctors have been battling the stigma associated with leprosy, because it doesn’t actually spread easily and treatment is very effective; with early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. The first cure was discovered in the 1940’s, and has significantly improved since. But, leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious disease…and such it was in Jesus’ day, especially because they had no cure. If you have seen the movie ‘Ben Hur,’ they depict leprosy camps, and the stigma associated with lepers.

So, in verse 2 we see this highly stigmatized leper…

Jewish historian Josephus wrote, Lepers “...were excluded out of the city entirely...” (War 5.227); “...it is not lawful for them to be partakers of this sacrifice [Passover].” (War 6:426) And, he accounted for societal norms that Lepers were forbidden to “...continue in a city, or to inhabit a village, ....that they should go about by themselves with their clothes rent; and ...such as either touch them, or live under the same roof with them, should be esteemed unclean...” (Against Apion 1:281).

In the Law of the Leper, Lev 13:45-46 states “Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.”

D.A. Carson wrote: “To be a leper was interpreted as being cursed by God (cf. Num 12:10, 12; Job 18:13). Healings were rare (cf. Num 12:10–15 [Miriam]; 2 Kings 5:9–14 [Naaman]) and considered as difficult as raising the dead (2 Kings 5:7, 14). In the Messianic Age there would be no leprosy (cf. Mt 11:5).”

The leper was a person, but not referred as a person anymore…now they were known as a “leper”... ostracized from their friends and family…unable to work or engage in social activities…absolutely devastated in every way possibly imagined…physically, emotionally, socially, financially, and even spiritually…since they were considered ‘unclean,’ they could not go to Temple.

What does verse 2 say, “Behold...” It’s an attention grabber, and it’s an imperative/a command meaning “to gaze upon.” It commands the reader to pay close attention to the following.

We gaze upon a leper who comes to Jesus “…and worshiped Him...” The leper reveres Jesus, and calls Him “Lord” (Master). And, he says, “…if you are willing, You can make me clean.” He is revering Jesus, prostrating himself to Jesus, submitting to Jesus, and now putting forth request to Jesus to cleanse him.

It’s interesting, not all, but many of miracles that follow will document Jesus “saw their faith”, or their “great faith,” and faith is, at times (but not always), connected with healings. I believe this leper expresses faith in the ways he addresses Jesus.

But, it’s also interesting that he submits to Jesus’ will. “Lord, if You are willing...” Some Charismatic Pastors would scoff at a prayer that incorporates “…if You are willing...” as they would say this person lacks faith. Though, Jesus doesn’t scoff at the leper, and Jesus heal him. It’s good to pray and ask, and acknowledge you want what God wants…to pray according to God’s will.

I think this leper display the right attitude in approaching God for healing. We should approach Him in worship…approach Him submitting to His Lordship, and acknowledge He has the power to heal, but it is in His will? God can heal, but is it His will to heal? Some Pastors think and teach it is always God’s will to heal...I don’t observe this in scripture or in life.

In Rom 8:26-27, Paul attests that the Holy Spirit helps us through prayer when we are weak, but also attests that the Holy Spirit prays according to God’s will... “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses [suffering that could be physical, emotional, or spiritual]. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

If you think it is wrong to pray according to God’s will, well then the Holy Spirit must not know what He is doing.

I reject any overly charismatic view that if you have enough faith you will be healed, and lack of faith results in the opposite. At times, people with great faith are not healed. For ex., Paul…certainly a man of great faith was not healed. Listen to Paul’s testimony of his ‘thorn in the flesh”:

2 Cor 12:7-9 “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, [Purpose: A ‘thorn in the flesh’ was to keep Paul humble after his Vision of Paradise 2 Cor 7:1-6 (‘abundance of revelations’)], a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me [Was this Physical? Emotional? Spiritual? Alexander the coppersmith who did Paul “great harm”?…we cannot say dogmatically], lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me [It’s ok to ask and keep asking, to knock and keep knocking]. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” [Paul was decreased, and the Lord was increased] Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, [def. weakness, frailty (of body or mind); by impl. malady; disease, infirmity, sickness.] that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

So, in Paul’s account, his ‘infirmities’ make a strong case for physical ailment. God had purpose in the infirmity, and certainly Paul did not lack in faith.

Don’t get me wrong...I believe the Lord can physically heal, but also believe He heals when it is according to His will and purposes.

In June 2012, my wife had a 2.5 foot long blood clot, as revealed by sonogram, when pregnant with our 4th child. The Dr.s gave her a poor prognosis and said it would take over a year to dissolve using injectable Lovanox. No surgeries were approved because of the pregnancy. One month later a second sonogram revealed the clot was gone! It was a miracle…a true healing. The medicine did not heal her…God took that clot. Two months later, the Lord delivered me from alcoholism. I haven’t touched a drop since, and nor do I have the desire. Believe me…God can heal!

But, I also know people who have not been healed. Good Christians who walk in faith, who are submitted to the Lord, and the Lord seems to give them the same answer as Paul… “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

I reject they lack faith, and believe the Lord has a purpose in their sickness. That He is doing something in them or through them via their testimony to others (as they walk in peace that surpasses understanding), where God has a bigger and better purpose than healing. If sickness in my life can draw me closer to the Lord, and draws others closer to the Lord, then there is good purpose, despite the difficulty.

Job (a man of faith) certainly experienced the refiner’s fire when his body was touched by Satan.

When James wrote “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” …I believe sickness can be one of those various trials to produce spiritual fruit in one’s life.

When the blind from birth was brought before Jesus, His disciples asked, “...who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” Jn 9:2–3.

Sometimes God has a purpose in allowing sickness. And, sometimes God heals even when faith is not expressed (as it was for this blind man). Diverse and mysterious are the ways of God. But, this I know… “God is love.” 1 Jn 4:8 and God is holy and good and righteous. If He allows sickness in your life, will you fall away? Or , can you trust that He is working all things together for good? Can you respond like Paul? 2 Cor 12:10 “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

For this leper…he asked if Jesus was willing and verse 3 records, “Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

Jesus had the power to heal, and it was His will. When Jesus reaches out His hand…this is symbolic of His authority.

Just as...The LORD “stretched out His hand on Egypt...” Exo 7:5

Moses “stretched out his hand over the sea...” Exo 14:21

God, and those operating according to His will, have great authority to perform many mighty works.

I love how Jesus could have spoken a word and this man would have been healed, but instead Jesus touched him. When was the last time a clean person touched this man? I find this so tender…so loving by Jesus.

According to the Law of the Leper (Lev 13 & 14), lepers were unclean and were instructed to isolate themselves from others as contact was thought to spread the disease. Thus, to come in contact with a leper meant you would be unclean. However, when Jesus touched the leper, Jesus did not become unclean…the leper became clean.

Verse 4 “And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift [two birds, cedar wood, scarlet, hyssop- Lev 14] that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Now that this leper has been healed, he was to present himself to the priests. The priests were to perform a ritual for cleansing for the healed leper (Lev 13 & 14), and I guarantee they had to reference Leviticus, because they had never performed this ritual. Besides Miriam (Moses’ sister) and Naaman (the Syrian), we don’t see lepers being cleansed in scripture. Leprosy was incurable.

But, beyond the ritual cleansing, Jesus said when he showed himself to the priests, it would serve “…as a testimony to them.” The priests should have taken this as a Messianic sign, but sadly the typical reaction to Jesus by the religious leaders was rejection and persecution.

And, indeed this was a Messianic sign…In Luke 7, when John the Baptist was in prison, John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked. “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

But, many were offended by Jesus, and I believe this is one of the reasons Jesus said, “See that you tell no one...”

The Jews, especially the Religious leaders, were offended by Jesus, and when those healed revealed who He was, it increased persecution prematurely.

At times the multitudes acted carnally thronging Him to take power from Him; or desiring to make Him their political leader; or even wanting to harm Jesus...from such displays Jesus withdrew.

Jesus was also on a very specific time clock (prophesied in Dan 9:25) as to when He would be revealed as Messiah and when He would fulfill His first coming by dying on the cross satisfying God’s wrath on sin. Numerous times in Jesus’ ministry He would say something to the effect of: “My time has not yet come...”

So, when we see these “tell no one...” statements in Jesus’ ministry, I believe it is multi-faceted.

The next demonstration of Jesus’ authority is verse 5...The Centurion’s Servant is Healed

Matt 8:5-13 “Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.”

Jesus is now in Capernaum, which was a town seated on the north-side of the Sea of Galilee…beautiful location. This is where Peter lived and Capernaum would become Jesus’ headquarters.

As Jesus enters Capernaum, He is approached by a Centurion (a Roman Captain of 100). In the parallel account in Luke 7, it is revealed the Centurion actually sent his friends (Jewish Elders) to approach Jesus with his message, because he did not feel worthy to come to Jesus.

In Luke 7, this Centurion was noted to love Israel, and to have built a synagogue for the Jews. And, every Centurion in the NT is portrayed in a positive light. But, he was a Gentile, and as such he sends these Jewish Elders with his message.

When we observe the Centurion telling Jesus, “I am not worthy that You should enter my roof...” it should be understood that this Centurion was being humble, and sensitive to Jewish traditions of being set apart from Gentiles...to not cause Jesus to become ceremonially unclean.

This Centurion pleads for healing on behalf of another…his slave who was dreadfully sick. Jesus was willing, but the Centurion, in his humility and sensitivity to Jewish custom, declined Jesus coming into his house and made incredibly insightful and faith filled statements about Jesus.

First, He recognizes that Jesus has authority to simply speak and it would be so. And, the Centurion was correct. Jesus needed only speak and the servant would be healed.

In verse 9, the Centurion speaks about being under authority…which would have been being under Caesar’s authority. And, when Caesar decreed a command, the Centurion would speak the words of Caesars. To disobey the Centurion would be to disobey Caesar, and this could be considered a capital offense. When the Centurion spoke to his soldiers or his servants, his authority was obeyed.

And, Jesus had authority from the Father- the Highest Authority.

Fantastic is Jesus’ reaction to this comparison of authority (v10) “He marveled...” He stood in wonder…He was amazed. Only 2x in the New Testament is Jesus recorded to be amazed. Here Jesus is amazed by the faith of a Gentile Centurion who accurately understands Jesus’ authority over disease. Jesus was amazed in a positive sense towards the Centurion.

The second time Jesus was amazed was in a negative sense. Jesus returned to Nazareth and was rejected there. Mark 6:5-6 “Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief.”

Jesus marveled at the faith of the Gentile Centurion and marveled at the unbelief of His own countrymen…Jews from Nazareth. The Jews should have been able to discern the times…to connect the scriptures, the prophecies, and the signs to Jesus, the Messiah, but instead they rejected Him; thus Jesus marveled in a negative sense. But, a Gentile, who expressed a childlike faith left Jesus marveling in the positive.

For me, I hope that my walk leaves Jesus marveling because I have walked in faith. We are not so different from the Jews in that we have the scriptures, the prophecies, and the signs…and how sad is it if we, like the Jews, ever make Jesus marvel because of unbelief.

I think the unbelief we observed in Mark 6 parallels Jesus sentiments here in Matt 8:10 “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”

This is not a good observation. As such Jesus shares the eternal contrast of those who express faith, and those who express unbelief (verse 11): “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. [a picture of heaven…a Messianic Banquet attended by those of faith- and the many people pictured here are not specifically Jews…this is a picture of anyone who expresses faith from every people, nation, tribe, and tongue] 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [the sons of the kingdom were Jews by birth, but without faith their heritage would not save them…they would be “cast out,” “in outer darkness,” where there would be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” - all descriptions of hell.]

This segment concludes, “Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.”

The parallel account in Luke 7 records, “And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.” So, Jesus sends the Jewish Elders back to the Centurion’s home with a message from Jesus, and they find the servant healed.

Jesus spoke and it was. Great is the authority of the King!

The next healing in this segment comes to the mother of Peter.

Matt 8:14-15 “Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. 15 So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.”

Notice, no expression of faith is recorded here. And, I like this because while we should ask for healing and we should have faith, sometimes God just heals…sometimes He is just merciful because He is God.

Peter’s mother-in-law has a fever (some scholars believe malaria) and as Jesus tenderly touches her hand...the fever departs; again highlighting Jesus’ authority over disease.

Typically, a person with a fever would need some time to recover and regain strength, but Peter’s mother-in-law’s healing was complete. She is healed and immediately arises to serve.

This is a great response from anyone who has been touched and healed by Jesus. Arise and serve Him. When Jesus delivered me from Alcoholism, I knew it was a call into ministry. I arose and served Him.

This segment concludes, Matt 8:16-17 “When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.”

It is thought that these others who were healed were brought at night because it was a Sabbath, and these people did not want to break Sabbath by travelling too far, thus at evening Sabbath was over and many came to Jesus, and Jesus healed all.

Those that are sick this time are sick not from disease, but from demon-possession, and “with a word” Jesus cast out the spirits.

If you are saved, you are in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit…you do not need to concern yourself with demon possession. A demon cannot posses the same body as God. Your body becomes the Temple of God, and God prevails over demons.

And, Matthew highlights to his Jewish audience that all of these healings were in fulfillment of prophecy...Isa 53:4 “Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows...” proving Jesus is Messiah and King.

And, Jesus’ authority to heal physically, was a sign of all He could do spiritually. Jesus could heal His people spiritually...the ultimate healing…Salvation.

As we look back on all the healings in these 17 verses today, I love how the healings of God are obviously diverse. There is no set pattern. And, how Jesus heals the least in the society of that day- a leper, a slave, a woman, and the unnamed. He is merciful to all.

Jesus heals a leper. A Jew who became an outcast to society who worships Jesus, expresses faith and asks for healing. Jesus touches him and cleanses him.

A slave who expresses no faith, but is advocated for by the faith of a Gentile Centurion. A man who is humble and sensitive respecting Jewish views on Gentiles, and recognizes Jesus’ authority to heal simply be speaking a word…which Jesus does.

A woman (and, Judaism was patriarchal, so women did not experience the same rights as men). She did not ask to be healed and she did not express faith, yet Jesus healed her with a touch.

And, unnamed demon-possessed multitudes who were healed with a word by Jesus in fulfillment of prophecy.

God is sovereign, healing as He pleases. And, Matthew nicely demonstrates to his Jewish audience that Jesus had the authority of the King to heal.

Worship Team Come

If you are here today, and you need healing, you need prayer…you need something from God... you should ask in faith. Jesus said, “...whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Mt 21:22. And, God will answer according to His will. He will respond, “Yes, no, or wait.” In all the accounts today, He healed.

And, if He doesn’t answer...“Can you still trust Him?” We know He has the power to heal, and we know He has all authority, but sometimes our prayers are not in alignment with His will. But, scripture declares “…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...”

You will not always understand what God is doing, but rest in who He is…He is good, and He is love. Trust Him! “... and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Amen?

Let’s pray!

If you need prayer today…ask.