THE POWER TO HEAL

Introduction:

A. Miraculous Gift Of Healing.

1. The ability to heal someone with an illness.

2. The ability to heal someone with an infirmity.

3. The ability to cast out demons (evil spirits).

B. Today.

1. There are those who claim to be able to heal miraculously.

2. There are those who do not believe in miracles.

Body: Luke 4: 38 - 44

I. Peter's Mother-in-law.

A. Peter has a wife.

1. First indication is here.
2. Paul later refers to Cephas' wife (1 Corinthians 9: 5).

B. Mother-in-law is ill.

1. Illness is severe enough to keep her from synagogue.
2. Illness is severe enough to keep her in bed.
3. Illness is severe enough for them to request Jesus' help.

C. Jesus rebuked the fever and it left immediately.

II. After Sabbath.

A. When sundown comes, it is no longer Sabbath.

B. The people feel safe to bring the ill.

C. Jesus touched each one, while healing.

D. The demons were rebuked.

1. They confessed and wanted to confess His deity.
2. He rebuked them from speaking.

III. The Next Day.

A. Jesus goes to a deserted place.

B. The crowds.

1. They actively sought Him (but not for the right reasons?)
2. Did not want Him to leave (selfish?)

C. Jesus compelled to fulfill His duty - preach the Good News.

Conclusion:

A. Compare Miracles Today With Then.

1. Not a big production - fancy words and/or actions.

2. Not selective.

3. Not usually based upon the faith of the one being healed.

4. The healer did not advertise Himself.

B. Jesus Was (And Is) The Son Of God!