The Healing From Jesus
Pastor CJ
Translated by Allan Liang
Mark 6:53-56 The topic of today is concerned with the last few verses of the 6th chapter of Mark. The events described in this passage can also be found in Mathew, that is, groups of people rushing to Jesus, bringing the sick, and begging to touch the edge of his cloak, for “all who touched were healed”. The Lord used his supernatural powers to heal the sick. If we read the previous sharings on the miracle of the five loaves of bread and two fish, and the miracle of Jesus walking on the waters, we would know that Jesus was renowned for working miracles. Soon after stepping off the boat, the people recognized him (Mark 6:54, Matthew 14:35). The people knew Jesus because of his miracles, and Jesus used his power to perform miracles and heal the sick. Jesus performed great acts of healing and exorcism that could be done by none other than himself; walking into “villages, towns or countryside”, people would rush to touch his clothes to receive healing - this was certainly an unorthodox way of healing. How great were his miracles! However, the Bible being the inspired Word of the Holy Spirit, a far deeper meaning can be found if we are to consider this passage as part of the complete Scriptures. We know that after these miracles, there was a greater miracle - the death of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection three days later, and the redemptive power of his death and resurrection. How blessed are we, able to understand his complete revelations, and see the work that he intends and will bring to completion. In the days of Jesus’ ministry on earth, taking his disciples with him and working all sorts of miracles - healing the sick and casting out demons- many were those who saw his miracles, but few were those who understood that he was the beloved Son of God. The people believed that he could heal, yet did not believe that he was the Messiah, they received the service of Jesus, yet did not understand that his Word and his will was from the Father - to save all those who believed, so that they would not perish but have eternal life. In one sentence: the people could not understand that these miracles pointed to the redemptive work of the cross. Brothers and sisters, we may be burdened by all kinds of weaknesses and successes, desiring the healing and protection of our Lord. Out of his love and mercy, he will indeed heal and comfort us. However, we are also to understand that, because of the faith he has given us, Christ being the author and perfecter of our faith, we must follow him on the path paved by the cross. His mercy and love all point to that direction - we must become followers of Christ and march on until we enter his glorious kingdom. The grace of the cross of Jesus both saves and grants us the renewed life of truth. “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” (Mathew 16:4) Let us abide in the grace of our Lord, grasp onto his promises, and by faith, follow him until the very end. Please pray and meditate on: what are our weaknesses? What is our direction? Why is the healing of God intended to have us partake in eternal fellowship with Christ, rather than have us live godless lives?