Deeper Christian Life Ministry – Youth Search The Scripture For March 20, 2022 (Lesson 12) : Topic –THE HEALER
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YOUTH STS
LESSON 12
JESUS: THE HEALER
TEXT: Matthew 8:1-17; 23,34; 9:1-38.
MEMORY VERSE: “When the even was comes they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word; and healed all that were Sick?’ (Matthew 8: 16)
Healing is a divine gift given to man whereby the sick are made whole and their infirmities taken away. It remains an important subject in the Scriptures which practically illustrates the will of God for our wellbeing. The loss of Adam’s right to the tree of life which was for the healing of nations (Revelation 22:2) made healing an indispensable phenomenon in the life of man. Sin brings sicknesses and sufferings contrary to God’s initial plan for humanity. As a result of the Fall, man becomes exposed to various types of diseases that generate ill-health. Jesus therefore, came to redeem man from sin and rescue the world from sicknesses. The great multitude of people that followed Jesus Christ carried diverse burdens-some were sick, possessed of the demons, poor, lonely and hopeless. The wealth of the centurion in our text could not heal his servant who lieth at home sick of palsy and grievously tormented. The wisdom of man in all areas will fail at the face of fierce battle of life.
Question 1: How can a youth benefit from the healing virtue of Jesus Christ?
In times like these, you need a Saviour and an Anchor. Jesus still heals today, and any youth who trusts in Him for healing will not be disappointed. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). To enjoy this privilege of healing, youths should surrender their lives to Christ. It is as they surrender that they are able to activate and enjoy the numerous healing virtues in Christ.
ANOINTING OF CHRIST OVER THE INFIRMITY OF MAN (Matthew 8:1-17; Acts 10:38; Matthew 4:23,24)
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38). Christ’s anointing and power is infinite. During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ went from city to city, from town to town, from village to village and from one synagogue to another, preaching the gospel and healing all manner of sicknesses and diseases. Jesus is Lord; He is the power and wisdom of God, the Eternal One and the power behind the creation of the universe. He is the Master (Matthew 8: 19). Jesus is the embodiment of God through which all things were created. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1: 1-3).
Question 2: Highlight the various challenges that characterise an average youth life.
Christ’s anointing was so great. No one had an encounter with the power of God and went back the same. Jesus made the blind to see. He made the lame to walk and the dead to rise. Christ cleansed the leper. He put an end to issues of blood of many years. He healed the demonic and insane; performed all manners of mighty miracles during His earthly ministry. He still does these today. Meanwhile, the life of an average youth is engulfed with troubles, sorrows, afflictions and all sorts of challenges, In actual fact, an average youth passes through the time of ‘storms and stress’. “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). However, we thank God for the anointing of Christ that is capable of providing solutions to infirmities of men. Man would have remained in perpetual woes, catastrophe and multi-dimensional disaster, were it not the provision, power and anointing of Christ that rescued and still rescuing many today.
THE AWFUL CAUSES OF INFIRMITIES IN MAN (Matthew 9:1-8; Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 3:23; John 5: 14)
“And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:1,2). Man was created originally in a consistently perfect state of health, without diseases or infirmities. Unfortunately, man fell into the deception of the devil and disobeyed his Creator. As a result, man began to face sickness. So many diseases that are common among youths are closely connected to one sin or the other
Question 3: What are the causes of sickness in the Life of the youth?
Satan exercises authority on the unregenerate youth. Sin has been defined as Satan Identification Number or Satan Imparted Nature. It exposes its perpetrators to satanic oppressions of various kinds and as a result, many youths whose lives are void of Christ are mostly found to be carriers of these deadly diseases. Although diseases can as well come as a result of carelessness, our environment and type of activities we engage in could also pose danger to our health. Christian youths are enjoined to keep their environment clean. They are to also observe their work habit. Eating of balance diet at appropriate time, regular exercise and good rest will keep you healthy.
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST OVER INIQUITIES AND INFIRMITIES OF MAN (Matthew 8:23-34; 9:1-8; Isaiah 53:6; Mark 2:5-12; Matthew 1:21; Luke 2: 1 1; John 1:29)
The authority of Christ is all-encompassing. Christ died on the cross at Calvary not only to deliver humanity from sin but also to set them free from all consequences of sin. The main purpose of Christ’s mission on earth was to set man free from sin. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; John 1:29). The authority of Christ over iniquities is indisputable “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house” (Mark 2: 10,11). The freedom enjoyed from Christ’s offer of salvation, however, is not limited to freedom from sin but also covers freedom from Satan and sicknesses. Thus, we can conclude that Christ saves from Satan (sources of sin), sin and sicknesses (consequences of sin).
Question 4: What are other benefits saved youths can receive from Christ?
Youths suffering from any form of infirmities are therefore, admonished to look up to Christ, the Saviour, Deliverer and Healer (Numbers 21:8; John 3:14). Even nature obeys Him, the storm ceases at His command, and the supernatural forces are controlled by His authority. His ministry has brought into the world liberation from all forms of operations of the devil as they manifest in different global dimensions. There was never a case of anyone who came to Christ and was disappointed. “And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak” (Mark 7:37). Therefore, faith remains the connector for receiving from Christ.