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Luke (probably Paul’s companion called “the dearly loved physician” in Colossians 4:14) catalogued many different ills Jesus healed. No wonder people were “filled with awe” (verse 26)—clearly an awe-inspiring spiritual power was at work in Jesus. And it’s important to know that in Jesus’ day, illness was not just physical—many people thought it was a sign of God’s
curse. Jesus’ healing acts bore powerful witness to God’s forgiveness and love, as well as God’s power.

• The book Serving from the Heart defines the gift of healing as “the divine ability to bring wholeness—physical, emotional or spiritual—to others.” What signs can you find in these stories that Jesus healed in all of these ways? In which of these ways do you most need healing right now? How can you open your life to Jesus’ healing power?
• In verses 17-21 and 30, a shadow fell over the joy Jesus’ healing, liberating power brought. Israel’s religious leaders, who should have led the people in recognizing and welcoming Jesus, were shadowing him, not to learn, but with a critical, fault-finding spirit. In what ways did Jesus’ ministry pose a threat to those leaders? In what ways can you keep yourself from feeling threatened by anyone whose service to God attracts attention or shows spiritual power?