Jesus: My Healer and Deliverer

Get re-acquainted with the very beginning of Jesus' ministry by reading Mark 1:21-34.

Twice in this passage, we see observers respond to what Jesus is doing and saying with a big "WOW!"

In Mark 1:22, the people are amazed at his teaching - for he teaches as one with authority. (This was discussed in the message from March 18.)

But notice that in Mark 1:27, they are amazed once again:

MARK 1:27. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders.”

Now the people are amazed because Jesus has demonstrated power over evil itself!

The gospels make it clear that Jesus' ministry of healing and deliverance is central to his work. Can it be that we should simply be impressed that Jesus performed these mighty wonders (but then assume they have no relevance for us today)?

Jesus makes it clear that there are hurts and pains in this world that need more than mere physical relief:

MARK 9:29. This kind [of evil spirit] can be cast out only by prayer.

Paul reminds us that we are involved in the very same struggle ourselves:

EPHESIANS 6:10, 12. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power...for we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies.

Jesus promises incredible resources as we are engaged in this struggle:

JOHN 14:12. I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

Could it be that God is calling us to become a community of healing and deliverance that would cause the world around us to drop its jaw and say WOW – God really is still at work today.

Look at Jesus' promise to us:

JOHN 16:33. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.


This Wikipedia article gives a rather comprehensive overview of various points of view regarding spiritual warfare. What do you think?


Kingdom Builders Prayer Institute is a ministry affiliated with Windsor Village United Methodist Church. Read some of the testimonies of God's mighty hand at work.


You can submit prayer requests, pray over prayer requests, and read reports of answered prayer from all over the world at the website of the World Methodist Prayer Team.


Here is an article written by the late Ray Stedman, titled The Forces We Face, based on the teachings of the Bible, and especially on Ephesians 6. How do you understand the arguments he is making?


In this article - The Presence-Based Church - the Rev. Terry Teykl describes a different type of church - that is not so much focused on "giving people what they want" as on "seeking the presence of God." What do you think about his ideas?