Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. – Mathew 9:35
As we once again have celebrated the birth of Jesus, let’s consider why he came. Certainly to offer himself as a sacrifice for our sins was central to his mission. We also witness in the gospels Jesus’ threefold ministry of proclaiming, teaching, and healing. Without embracing all three, we have a truncated gospel and diminish all that Jesus began to do and teach.
We say Jesus began as he remains the primary actor in the healing ministry he seeks to involve us in today. Who does not have ongoing spiritual and holistic needs in our broken world? Many of us are also in need of physical, emotional and/or relational healing. Regardless of our current personal needs, we all long for the peace and wholeness of Jesus.
One question to consider in the new year is this: How might the Holy Spirit be calling us to take up our mantle and bring the various forms of healing to one another? We will look to answer this question and much more as part of a new class beginning Sunday, February 18, called Follow the Healer. Together, we will look deeper at a book of the same name by Stephen Seamands, which provides balanced biblical teaching. This will assist us in creating a solid theological foundation on which to explore and experience healing.
During this six-week journey, participants will read Seamands’ book and journal their responses to thought-provoking questions. The study doesn’t embrace faith formulas but rather acknowledges the messiness and mystery of healing. While some questions will remain unanswered, we believe there is much we can learn by following Jesus’s footprints on this subject. Table groups will engage in discussions and be guided in the practical ways each of us can be agents in the healing ministry of Jesus.
Consider joining us in this deep dive into the powerful effects God’s love and peace have for broken people and the healing that may await you! It all begins Sunday, February 18th. Shalom!
Sign up to be part of this class at schweitzer.church/groups
The image of the dove was drawn by Barbara Cobb. She is a talented artist who serves as an active volunteer with both Schweitzer & Flourish. Throughout the Bible a dove is present. This creature symbolizes the Holy Spirit. It represents the fulfillment of Scripture through the life and ministry of Jesus, and the peace, power, purity, and forgiveness of sin that comes in relationship with God.