Understanding how Jesus Healed in the Bible

Recently, I was reading through Mark and was reminded about the many ways that Jesus interacted with those He healed. I’ve taught quite a bit on the many ways that Jesus heals, so these statements mentioned in Mark intrigued me:  

“Your faith has healed you.”
“Your sins are forgiven.”
“Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

Each of these phrases highlights a different key to a person’s physical healing. But what keys exactly? Let’s look at a few healing Bible verses to see what Jesus was saying in these moments. 

Physical Healing and Faith

In Mark 5, Jesus encountered a woman who had been subject to bleeding for years. In an effort to improve her health, she had spent everything on medical care. But instead of getting better, her health worsened:

“She… had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.” – Mark 5:26 NIV

You can imagine how desperate she must have felt. When she heard Jesus was passing through her town, she likely saw it as her last chance, saying: “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 

What’s incredible is Jesus’ reaction to the woman’s healing. As soon as she touched His’ garment and received healing, Jesus turned and asked: “Who touched my clothes?”

Kneeling before Jesus, the woman confessed her act. What was His response? To commend her faith: “Daughter, your faith has healed you” (see Mark 5).

This passage shows us that faith isn’t just a part of following Jesus. It’s actually a catalyst for supernatural breakthrough. 

If you have a physical issue that needs God’s miraculous hand, say: “Lord, give me faith to pursue my healing.” Then, chase after your breakthrough with all your heart.

Physical Healing and Forgiveness

The story of the paralyzed man in Mark 2 leans on a similar lesson. In this story, a crowd had surrounded Jesus, who was teaching inside someone’s home. While He was speaking, some men brought their paralyzed friend to receive healing. But since they couldn’t reach Jesus, they did the unthinkable and “made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.”

When Jesus saw their faith, He was moved with compassion and declared: “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Now, some in the crowd were offended by Jesus’ statement, to which He clarified: “… I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” 

In this case, Jesus used the man’s healing to reveal His authority to forgive sins. He wasn’t just performing a miracle; He was making a spiritual declaration.

This story reveals that although the friends’ faith (to overcome blockages) was a component, forgiveness was also a portion.

If you’re seeking breakthrough, ask yourself, “How much faith do I have for this healing?” If you’re lacking in faith, ask the Lord to give you a fresh release.

Unforgiveness Blocks Healing

While the story of the paralyzed man’s healing isn’t about unforgiveness, it opens the door to an important subject I cover often: bitterness.

In Matthew, Jesus warns: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart” (Matthew 18:35 NIV).

If we want a good standing with God, then we need to be ready to forgive. Bitterness toward others only chokes out healing like a weed in rich soil. If we refuse to forgive others, spiritual torment will follow.

If you’re struggling to forgive someone who hurt you, ask yourself: “Is there anyone in my heart that I’m holding bitterness against?” Even if someone doesn’t deserve forgiveness, allow the Holy Spirit to move your heart and release them. Remember, forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook. It’s about freeing yourself from spiritual torment.

Physical Healing and Lack of Fear

In our final example, a synagogue leader named Jairus approached Jesus to ask for his daughter’s healing. But before they reached his house, a messenger brought dreadful news: “Your daughter is dead.”

While the devastating news shook everyone else around, it didn’t phase Jesus. Instead, He replied: “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

The story concludes with Jesus raising the man’s daughter from the dead. Fear had no influence over Jesus, so the healing power of God’s Spirit was able to flow freely.

The next time fear tries to overwhelm you, declare: “I see you, fear, and I do not partner with you. I send you back in Jesus’ Name. Jesus, what truth do you want me to know?”

Physical Healing through the Holy Spirit

Throughout this post, we’ve explored how faith, forgiveness, and a lack of fear contribute to physical healing. But keep in mind, at the center of Jesus’ ministry was the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus didn’t perform any miracles until He was baptized in the Spirit. After that, His ministry erupted with supernatural power. And once Jesus ascended into heaven after His death, the disciples continued this work:

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” – John 12:12-14 NIV 

This passage demonstrates that supernatural healing is never done in our own strength. It requires close partnership with the Holy Spirit, which is rooted in relationship and trust.