Surely He took our infirmities (sicknesses and diseases) and carried our sorrows (pains), yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, and He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4 & 5

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

Diseases often result from sinful living and are ultimately the consequence of original sin. Romans 5:12  (NASB)

Jesus became sin….and conquered it at the cross

*       Broke sin’s power

*       By His stripes we are healed

After His baptism and 40 day fast in the wilderness He came out in the power of the Holy Spirit and began to preach.  (Luke 4:14)

Jesus travelled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. News about Him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralysed—He healed them all. Large crowds followed Him wherever He went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. Matthew 4 vs 23, 24 & 25

We should note that healing was possible only when there was a willingness to receive healing as demonstrated by the leper [ Matthew 8 vs 1,2,3] . Humbleness and belief must also be evident – as reflected by the centurion when requesting for healing for his servant in Matthew 8:5-13.

 Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Matthew 10:1

 Jesus prepared His disciples and warned them of opposition. His ministry continued for 3 years . He was subsequently arrested , charged and crucified. He died on the cross but rose on the third day. He ascended , 50 days later into Heaven and He now sits, reigning and ruling at the right hand of His father .Matthew 10:14-16 & 17-20

Before He ascended…He gave clear instructions to His followers and believers,“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15

As believers in Christ we have been given a mandate to continue the ministry of Christ- preaching, teaching, healing, laying hands on the sick!

 Exercise

The Bible says ‘confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results ‘ James 5 vs 16. Do this with the group