Miracles of Healing in the Bible

Introduction

Throughout the Bible, we readamazing accounts of miraculous healings performed by God through His servants. From the parting of the Red Sea under Moses’ outstretched arms, to Naaman’s skin disease being cleansed in theJordan River, to the woman with an issue of blood being instantly healed by touching Jesus’ garment, the Bible is filled with stories of thesupernatural power of God to heal all manner of sickness and disease.

These miracles serve as a testimony to God’s goodness, compassion, and desire to alleviate human suffering. But they alsoreveal important spiritual truths. Jesus Himself points out that miraculous healings are meant to glorify God and increase faith (John 11:4,Mark 2:10-12). The healings validate the authority and divinity of Jesus Christ, proving that He is who He claimed to be.

As we study the many miracles of healing in Scripture, our faith is strengthened. We are reminded that thesame Jesus who healed back then still heals today, because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This blog post will provide an overview of some of the most significant miracles of healing recorded in the Bible, focusing on key attributes that characterize the healings and what we can learn from them.

Key Takeaways

• God still performs miraculous healings today just as He did in biblical times. His supernatural power has not diminished.
• Jesus Christ’s ministry was characterized by healing the sick as a demonstration of the kingdom of God. He has compassion on the suffering.
• All things are possible for those who believe. Faith in Christ Releases His healing power.
• Obedience and righteousness do not earn healing but can remove barriers to experiencing God’s grace.
• God sometimes heals gradually or uses means such as prayer, anointing oil/laying on of hands, and seeking wise counsel.
• Miraculous healings point to the authority of Christ and give glory to God. They Instill faith and wonder.

Elijah and the Widow’s Son (1 Kings 17:17-24)

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One of the first miracles of healing recorded In the Bible takes place when the prophet Elijahstayed with a widow and her son during a severe drought and famine. Tragically, the widow’s son became ill and died. The distraught mother pleaded with Elijah to intervene, saying “What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?” (1 Kings 17:18).

But Elijah called upon the Lord, stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried “O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again.” (1 Kings 17:21). At Elijah’s pleading, the Lord heard his prayer and restored the child’s life! The widow then declared “Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth.” (1 Kings 17:24).

This account shows that God can overcome even death itself In response to earnest prayer. The story increased the widow’s faith and testified to the authenticity of Elijah’s ministry. Most Importantly, It brought glory to the one true God. As James 5:16 reminds us, the earnest prayer of a righteous man avails much. Like Elijah, we too can cry out to God to act miraculously when facing seemingly hopeless circumstances.

Naaman Healed of Leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14)

Naaman was a great Syrian military commander, but he suffered from leprosy. In God’s providence, Naaman’s wife hada young Israelite girl working as a servant who told her mistress about the prophet Elisha and his powers of healing. So the King of Syria sent Naaman to the king of Israel, along with riches and a letter requesting healing. After some delay, Elisha invited Naaman to come directly to him and sent a messenger telling the Syrian to wash seven times in the Jordan River.

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Though initially insulted at not being personally received by the prophet, Naaman obeyed Elisha’s instructions and washed in the Jordan. Scripture records that “his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:14). Naaman then returned to Elisha, acknowledged the one true God, and offered the prophet gifts which Elisha refused.

This story illustrates that healing comes on God’s terms, not ours. Naaman had to humble his pride and obey God’s prescribed means for healing, even when it seemed foolish to him. When he did so in faith, he was miraculously healed. This account shows that God heals those who come to Him in humble obedience, including foreigners outside the covenant community.

Hezekiah’s Life Extended (2 Kings 20:1-11)

King Hezekiah of Judah became mortally ill, and the prophet Isaiah came to tell the king to set his house in order because he would die. But Hezekiah wept bitterly and pleaded with the Lord to remember his faithfulness and devotion. Before Isaiah had even left the palace, the Lord told him to return and tell Hezekiah that He had heard the king’s prayer and seen his tears and would heal him and add fifteen years to his life.

As a sign, the Lord caused the shadow on the sundial stairs built by Hezekiah’s father to move backward ten steps. After Isaiah prayed and applied a paste of figs to Hezekiah’s infected skin, the king recovered. Hezekiah gratefully worshiped God for this remarkable healing and the extended time God granted him.

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This story shows the tremendous power of heartfelt prayer and God’s willingness to be moved by our tears and change His mind in response to earnest intercession. Though God may announce a sobering prognosis or outcome, He sometimes reverses it as we seek His face. This account also illustrates God’s ability to manipulate time and nature to confirm His healing word.

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)

As Jesus left Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sat by the roadside. Though told to be quiet, Bartimaeus only cried out all the more persistently for Jesus to have mercy on him. Jesus stood still and commanded that the man be brought to him.

Asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus replied “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” (Mark 10:51). Jesus responded compassionately, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately Bartimaeus could see and began glorifying God! Bartimaeus pursued Jesus relentlessly despite opposition, recognizing Jesus’ true identity. In reward for his bold, expectant faith, Jesus instantaneously healed his blindness.

This account shows that fervent faith in Christ can overcome obstacles, open spiritual eyes, and receive supernatural healing. Though Jesus’ followers rebuked Bartimaeus, Jesus was pleased to reward the man’s tenacious faith with a miraculous healing. When we cry out to Jesus in faith, no barrier or infirmity can keep us from His loving, healing touch.

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man (Luke 5:17-26)

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A paralyzed man on a stretcher had some faithful friends who, when they could not get through the crowds to bring the man to Jesus, went up on the roof and lowered their friend down in front of where Jesus was preaching. Seeing the faith of the paralyzed man and his friends, Jesus proclaimed “Man, thy sins are forgiven thee” (Luke 5:20).

When the religious leaders grumbled about Jesus claiming an authority only God possesses, Jesus declared “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.” (Luke 5:24). And the formerly paralyzed man arose in front of them all, took up his bed, and went home glorifying God!

The persistence of the paralyzed man’s friends in bringing him to Jesus despite obstacles demonstrates true faith. Their faith moved Jesus to perform both a physical and spiritual healing. This story shows Jesus’ divine power to forgive sins and miraculously heal. When we bring others to Christ in faith, we can participate in seeing Him transform their lives.

Jesus Heals Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

As Jesus traveled to Jerusalem between Samaria and Galilee, ten leprous men called out to Him for mercy from a distance. Lepers were outcasts from society. But Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests, the prerequisite for being declared ritually clean. On the way, the lepers were all healed of their leprosy!

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But only one, a hated Samaritan, returned to glorify God and thank Jesus. Though initially disappointed, Jesus commended the Samaritan leper’s gratitude and affirmed that his faith had made him well. Then Jesus instructed him to rise and go on his way, declaring him cleansed and made whole not just physically but spiritually.

All ten lepers were healed through faith in Christ’s instructions. But only the Samaritan demonstrated the depth of faith that recognizes the true blessing is Christ Himself, not just what He provides. As Christ noted, it was the Samaritan’s faith that made him well in the full sense. This story teaches us to have faith to obey Christ in expectant hope of healing while also cultivating a heart of worship and gratitude.

Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman (Luke 13:10-17)

While teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath day, Jesus saw a woman crippled by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. She was bent over and utterly unable to straighten herself up. Jesus called the woman to Him and said “Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.” He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was healed and began praising God! (Luke 13:12-13).

But the ruler of the synagogue expressed anger that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. Jesus replied that it was right to heal on the Sabbath just as one would care for an animal. He put the religious leaders to shame, and the people rejoiced over Jesus’ miraculous works.

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Despite suffering for many years, this woman kept coming to the house of God. In His grace, Jesus met her there and delivered her from bondage to sickness. Though religious spirits obstructed Christ’s work, Jesus defended His authority to heal on demand, silencing critics. This miracle foreshadowed the coming Messianic era when God’s people would be set free into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind (John 9:1-7)

Jesus’ disciples asked Him about a man blind from birth, assuming it was due to sin. Jesus explained it was to display God’s works. He then spat on the ground, made clay with the saliva, and spread the clay on the blind man’s eyes. Jesus instructed him to wash in the pool of Siloam. When the man washed the clay away as Jesus prescribed, he could miraculously see for the first time in his life!

This incredible healing stirred up controversy among the religious leaders about the source of Jesus’ power and authority. But the testimony of the healed man prevailed. He declared Jesus “a prophet” and worshiped Him as the Son of God. This miracle confirmed that Jesus has divine power to overcome even congenital infirmities for God’s glory. The humble, faithful response of the healed man serves as a model for us.

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-44)

One of Jesus’ most astounding miracles was raising His friend Lazarus from the dead after Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Though Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha, He intentionally waited two days before departing for Bethany. He explained that the illness was “for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4).

When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had died and been buried in a tomb. A grief-stricken Martha met Jesus and questioned why He hadn’t come sooner to heal Lazarus, saying “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (John 11:22). Jesus assured her Lazarus would rise again and declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25). At the tomb, Jesus then commanded Lazarus to “come forth!” And Lazarus walked out of the grave still wrapped in his burial linens.

This astounding miracle – the climactic seventh sign in John’s Gospel – authenticated Christ’s claims to be the Son of God with power over life and death itself. It points ahead to Jesus’ own death and resurrection and the resurrection of the dead to eternal life for all who believe in Him. If Christ can overcome a four-day-old grave, He can resurrect, heal, and restore any person or situation no matter how hopeless.

Jesus Heals Malchus’ Ear (Luke 22:49-51)

When Judas led soldiers to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane, Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. But Jesus rebuked Peter, saying “No more of this!” Then Jesus touched Malchus’ ear and miraculously healed him. (Luke 22:51).

This last healing miracle before Jesus’ crucifixion reminds us of God’s unlimited power and Christ’s unchanging love. Even when facing betrayal and death, Jesus’ compassion led Him to supernaturally repair an enemy’s injury. He rebuked religious hypocrisy and injustice while exemplifying grace under fire. This account also illustrates the danger of trying to accomplish God’s will through force rather than faith. As Christ modeled, we must trust God to defend us while showing mercy to adversaries.

Principles We Learn from Biblical Healing Miracles

The many miracles of healing throughout Scripture provide valuable insights about God’s character and purposes. Though each story is unique, common themes emerge:

God Can Heal Anyone of Anything

No case is too difficult for the Great Physician (Luke 18:27). He restores broken bodies, minds, and lives. He overcomes congenital conditions, chronic illnesses, infectious diseases, permanent disabilities, mental disorders, demonic oppression, and even death itself. God is unlimited in power and wisdom.

Jesus’ Ministry Shows God’s Desire to Heal

Jesus healed everyone who came to Him. Healings permeated His ministry as demonstrations of God’s compassion and saving power. Christ came to destroy the devil’s works and free humanity from sickness, sin, death, and oppression (Acts 10:38, 1 John 3:8). We should expect the same today.

Healing Manifests God’s Kingdom

Healings provide a foretaste of God’s coming kingdom where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4). As Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah, “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17). Miracles proclaim the kingdom is here in the person of Jesus Christ.

Faith in Christ Releases Healing Power

Those healed in Scripture consistently exhibited some form of faith in God and Christ. Faith is a channel through which God’s grace flows. While faith does not obligate God or merit favor, exercising bold faith positions us to receive and activates Christ’s power (Matthew 9:29).

Healing Brings Glory to God

All Jesus’ miracles – especially raising the dead – produced wonder and brought glory to the Father. People praised and worshiped God in response (Matthew 15:31). This remains healing’s higher purpose. Our testimony directs attention to the Healer Himself for His marvelous works.

Healing Shows Christ’s Lordship

Miraculous healings demonstrated Christ’s supreme authority over every earthly power and principality (Colossians 2:9-10). Every knee – including disease and death – must bow to King Jesus. His sovereignty is exercised in healing acts. As Peter proclaimed: “Jesus Christ heals you.” (Acts 9:34).

Healing Overturns Curses

The death and resurrection of Jesus undid the curse of sin, sickness, and death that entered the world through Adam (1 Corinthians 15:21-22). Every healing reversed the curse’s effects and delivered people from bondage through Christ’s finished work. Healing manifests our redemption.

Healing Restores Wholeness

Bodily healings often accompanied spiritual restoration. Jesus frequently told those He healed to “go and sin no more” after removing an infirmity (John 5:14). Giving people back their full health enabled them to be whole in body, soul, and spirit as God intended.

Healing Anointing Flows from God’s Presence

Jesus only did the miraculous works He saw His Father doing and spoke the Father’s words (John 14:10). The healings flowed out of His intimate relationship to the Father. As we remain in Christ, connected to the Vine, His supernatural life flows through us (John 15:5).

Healing Comes through Various Means

God is creative in how He brings healing – from the bizarre (spitting in dirt) to the ritualistic (dipping in the Jordan) to the practical (applying medicinal clay or oil). Healing can come directly from God’s power or in conjunction with acts of faith and available means.

Why We Need Miraculous Healing Today

Some scholars argue the age of miracles ended with the first-century apostles. But Scripture gives no indication the gifts of healings were meant to fade away before Christ’s return. On the contrary, Peter cited Joel 2 to say miraculous signs and wonders would mark the entire Church age spanning “the last days” (Acts 2:17). Paul repeatedly encouraged earnestly desiring gifts of healings (1 Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30). James directed believers to pray for the sick, anointing them with oil in faith that the prayer will restore health and forgive sins (James 5:14-15). These practices imply ongoing availability of miraculous healing within the Body of Christ.

We desperately need God’s healing power today as much as at any time in history. Tens of millions of Christians globally still lack access even to basic medical treatment. Desperate diseases like cancer, COVID-19, malaria, HIV/AIDS, depression, anxiety, addiction, dementia, and untold others still wreak enormous suffering. Even the best doctors remain limited in what they can treat. Medicines produce harmful side effects. Surgeries and therapies often provide incomplete cures. Many conditions elude medical science altogether. And treatment is unavailable or unaffordable for millions.

Above all, no medicine can mend a broken heart, wounded spirit, or sin-sick soul. Only the touch of the Great Physician provides the healing that makes us whole. The compassionate Jesus still sees the crowds harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He longs to bind up the brokenhearted, comfort those who mourn, and bestow the oil of joy for mourning (Isaiah 61:1-3). Physical and emotional illnesses often stem from or interact with spiritual roots only God’s healing touch can reach.

With so much unmet need, we cannot relegate miracles to a bygone era. Rather, our hurting world needs a fresh outpouring of God’s healing love. The Spirit’s charisms, including gifts of healings, represent God’s empowering presence uniquely suited for the challenges of each generation until Christ returns (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). May we not settle for anything less than the fullness of Christ’s miraculous healing commission to His people (Matthew 10:1, Luke 10:9). In these last days, let us preach the gospel of the kingdom in the power of the Spirit with signs following to authenticate God’s word (Mark 16:15-20). Then we will see the lame walk, blind eyes opened, demons flee, lives restored, and Christ glorified as multitudes declare, “Blessed be the name of the Lord!”