Matthew 8:14-17. When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“He took up our infirmities
and bore our diseases.”
Today’s Word testifies that Jesus Christ bore all our diseases and carried all our sicknesses. He revealed the power of the gospel by healing the sick, demonstrating that true salvation encompasses the whole person—spirit, soul, and body.
After His resurrection, Jesus gave this promise to His disciples: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well” (Mark 16:17–18).
Holding firmly to this covenant, the apostles and believers of the Early Church boldly ministered to the sick, healing them and proclaiming the gospel of Christ. Their healing ministry was not a separate act of mercy, but a direct manifestation of the authority of the risen Lord.
The world today is desperately in need of healing. This is not only about physical diseases, but deeper healing: healing from the condition of being under the power of the devil (Acts 10:38); healing from emotional and psychological wounds—crushed hearts and weary minds (Matthew 11:28); and healing from visible and invisible illnesses that torment the body (Acts 8:4–8). But why does healing take place when we pray in the name of Jesus?
First, we must confirm the promise of healing in Scripture. The Bible provides undeniable evidence of God’s will to heal. “All who touched Him were healed” (Mark 6:56). “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases” (Matthew 8:17). “By His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). God’s covenant of healing did not end with Christ’s ascension. It is an ongoing promise to those who believe.
Second, we must understand that some illnesses have spiritual roots beyond the reach of medicine. While many ailments are caused by fatigue, infections, aging, or poor lifestyle habits, Scripture reveals three profound spiritual causes of disease that cannot be solved by human effort.
Some illnesses are caused by sin. Original sin and generational sin can bring afflictions that affect even the third and fourth generations (Exodus 20:4–5). Actual sins, such as rebellion and idolatry, open the door to destruction and suffering (2 Samuel 12:15). The root of sin that entered through Adam brings death, decay, and sickness to all humanity (Genesis 3:16–19).
Other illnesses are the result of demonic activity. Jesus healed all who were under the power of the devil (Acts 10:38), showing that Satan’s schemes manifest in both physical and mental illness. Demon possession and oppression (Mark 5:2–15), as well as emotional and mental disturbances (Matthew 12:25–28; Ephesians 4:23–27), often reveal the enemy’s activity.
Still, there are instances when God allows illness for His greater purpose. Sometimes sickness is used to humble, discipline, or reveal God’s glory (John 9:1–3; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Daniel 8:27).
In such cases, incorrect treatments—especially those that ignore the spiritual aspect—can make the condition worse. Treatments based solely on medical care can only bring temporary physical relief. When the root problem is spiritual, human methods have their limits. Worse still are treatments based on superstition, religious rituals, or reliance on the power of evil spirits. These can bring even more serious consequences and spiritual bondage.
What, then, is the right order of healing? There must be spiritual healing first. As 3 John 1:2 says, true prosperity in health flows from a prosperous spirit. One must receive Jesus as the Christ (John 1:12). Only by being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) can a person gain the strength to overcome sickness. One must also stop sinning and seek repentance (James 5:13–16) and purify one’s living environment from spiritual influences that oppose God (Matthew 12:25–29).
Medical treatments should be pursued only after addressing the spiritual root. Mental and physical wellness follow spiritual wellness. What a person does after healing is also critical. One must live by faith, in gratitude, and with a life dedicated to witnessing the gospel.
If you are struggling with a serious illness, remember that your prayer is powerful and effective. Do not remain in anxiety, but enter into deep prayer, holding onto the gospel until all fear is driven out. Stop worrying, and start experiencing the presence of God. As Philippians 4:6–7 declares, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. God will raise you as Christ’s witness to bring the message of healing to all nations.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for the promise of healing through Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the power of the gospel, heal my spirit, soul, mind, and body. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may bring the message of healing to all nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.