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Healing the Sick

Isaiah 53: 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

• What do Jesus’ wounds have to do with our healing?

The word “healed” in Isaiah 53: 5 is translated from the Hebrew work “rapha.” It is used many times in the Old Testament, usually referring to healing from a physical illness, but sometimes the healing of the soul, the cleansing of toxic water or the repair of something broken. The word is also sometimes translated as “physician.” God calls Himself Jehovah-Rapha in Exodus 15:26, which in English reads, “the LORD, who heals you.”


Exodus 15:26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."

• What conditions did God place on His promise to Israel to keep them healthy?
• Since "rapha" can be translated physician, Jehovah-Rapha could also be translated “Doctor God.” How would it change your life to think of God as your doctor?

Matthew 8: 16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

• When sick people came to Jesus, who got healed?

Matthew 14: 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

• What motivated Jesus to heal people?
• Do you think He is still motivated to heal?

James 5: 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

• What does James say we should do if someone is sick?
• If you are prayed for and don’t experience healing, what should you do?