PHYSICIAN

 

PHYSICIAN

The Divine Healer

Healing in Jewish Tradition

In ancient Jewish culture, while physicians were utilized for medical care, the ultimate source of healing was always believed to be God, referred to as Yahweh Ropheka, meaning "the Lord Who Heals." This belief was supported by a set of laws that included hygienic practices, which contributed to the health and resilience of the Jewish people. According to the Talmud, every city had its own licensed doctor, and even the temple in Jerusalem had a physician dedicated to caring for the priests.

Jesus, recognized as the greatest physician, performed more healings than any other type of miracle. He addressed ailments of all kinds—blindness, madness, lameness, deafness, and even death—with undeniable power. Each healing demonstrated that the kingdom of God was breaking into our fallen world. The Scriptures view sickness and death as consequences of sin, and it was to address this sin problem that Jesus came into the world.

While faith is vital in the healing process, the Gospels do not assert that a lack of healing always indicates a lack of faith. Sometimes the New Testament connects individual sin to sickness, but it also acknowledges that illness is often the result of living in a broken world. The Greek term for “physician” is iatros.

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Praying to Our Physician

Many people struggle to believe that Jesus still heals today, but stories abound that challenge this doubt. One such story is about Mindy Cavendish, who was adopted from South Korea. She had a significant hole in her eardrum, requiring surgery that wouldn’t occur until she was eight. In the meantime, painful cysts formed in her ear canal, causing her distress. Her parents prayed for a miracle.

One night, after a particularly painful episode, Mindy watched The Greatest Story Ever Told with her mother. Inspired, she asked, “Mommy, can Jesus still make people all better like He did in the movie?” Her mother admitted uncertainty, but Mindy folded her hands and prayed, “God and Jesus, please fix my ear and make it better. I love you. Amen.”

The next morning, during a pre-surgery check, her doctor, Dr. Rodriguez, was baffled. After examining her ears, he exclaimed, “There is a brand new baby eardrum in there!” The medical staff was astonished, as just days before, there was no eardrum at all. Mindy cheerfully declared, “I asked Jesus to fix my ear, and He did!”

Dr. Rodriguez, moved to tears, confirmed that Mindy’s hearing was perfect. Since then, her ears have remained healthy, and she eventually graduated summa cum laude with a degree in speech-language pathology, becoming a healer herself.

Does Jesus still heal? Just ask Mindy Cavendish!

Jesus, you are the great Physician, the one who can heal both body and soul. Come today with your great mercy and your wonderful healing power.

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Promises Associated with the Name

“However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their country.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings for you people who fear my name. You will go out and leap like calves let out of a stall.” (Malachi 4:2)

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Conclusion

As our Physician, Jesus offers healing that transcends mere physical restoration. His power can heal both body and soul, bringing wholeness to our lives. Through prayer and faith, we can experience His divine healing touch and share in the miraculous stories that testify to His enduring power and compassion. Whether through direct intervention or guiding us to others who can help, Jesus remains actively involved in our healing journeys.