Luke 5:12-26

Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke

Observations on Healing

Pastor George Stephens | March 2, 2025

Observations on the healing ministry of Jesus

Healing is Personal

“And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.” (Luke 5:13, ESV)

We often focus on the Leper

·         It’s the first such “leper story” in Luke

·         The social outcast angle catches us in the heart

·         The Leper seems to approach without a precedent – Had

Jesus healed other lepers???

·         We love his faith

But look at Jesus

·         He converses with the Leper.

·         He Touches the Leper

·         He directly addresses the Leper – “I will”

·         He admonishes the Leper – this is private

·         He reminds the Leper of his worship obligation

Healing is Not Primary

“But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” (Luke 5:15–16, ESV)

If Healing Were Primary…

·         Jesus would encourage the Leper to Share it

·         Jesus might have promoted it

·         Jesus might have put himself in a place to do more of it

Healing Promotes a More Significant Message

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”” (Luke 5:24, ESV)

·         Healing Verifies Personal Belief

·         Healing Verifies Jesus’ Message

·         Healing Identifies Jesus as God

·         Healing Alienates Those Who Doubt