“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, “I will; be thou clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed” (Matt. 8:2-3).
Jesus did two things when He was moved with compassion: First, He touched the leper. Second, He said something to him.
I always thought that the moment Jesus touched someone, that person was healed. But this man’s leprosy didn’t depart until Jesus said something. Apparently, His words were as important as His touch.
What did Jesus say to the leper? “Be thou clean.” He gave the command for the leprosy to depart. But He also said something else – the phrase most Christians are looking for – “I will.”
Notice what Jesus didn’t say. He didn’t say, “I won’t” or “Later.” He didn’t say, “This disease is good for you,” or “You deserve this,” or “God sent this leprosy to teach you something.”
Jesus didn’t have to fast and pray to find out God’s will. He just said, “I will.” He knew God’s will. He also knew one of His purposes for coming to earth was to destroy all the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), including sickness and disease.
Part of Jesus’ commission was to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, and bring deliverance to all mankind – spirit, soul and body.
God never told Jesus to just seek out a few here and there who needed healing. Jesus was sent to heal all! So when that man said, “If You will,” Jesus responded, “Of course I will! Why shouldn’t I heal you? God’s will is healing for all mankind!”
My Father sent Jesus to destroy the works of the devil,
including sickness. Sickness isn’t in God’s plan for me.
Therefore, by faith I receive my healing!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
For over 40 years, Pastors Mark and Janet Brazee have traveled throughout the world sharing the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Together they've shared the powerful truths of faith and healing in more than 50 nations.
Today Mark and Janet pastor World Outreach Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they base their ongoing outreach to the world. The Brazees still travel as the Lord leads, and they are raising up a congregation who share their passion to reach Tulsa and the world.