The author of the Gospel of Luke writes with a Greek style. Based upon first century historians, Luke was a physician who accompanied the apostle Paul on several missionary trips. It’s unclear if Luke served as Paul’s personal doctor like a modern-day nurse, but he does notice and reflect upon Jesus’ unusual healing methods. On two different occasions, a step of faith results in miraculous healings.
And they raised up their voices and called, Jesus, Master, take pity and have mercy on us! 14 And when He saw them, He said to them, Go [at once] and show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cured and made clean, Luke 17:13-14.
Modern self-help gurus often refer to the power of human minds. This is where you can go down a slippery slope theologically where some use faith as a force to bring about healing. This is not what Luke is referring to based upon the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 21:20-22. When people in desperate need of a miracle exchange their doubts with belief in the God of miracles, a step of faith can result in healing.
And Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent [some] friends to Him, saying, Lord, do not trouble [Yourself], for I am not [a]sufficiently worthy to have You come under my roof; 7 Neither did I consider myself worthy to come to You. But [just] speak a word, and my servant boy will be healed. 8 For I also am a man [daily] subject to authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my bond servant, Do this, and he does it. 9 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and He turned and said to the crowd that followed Him, I tell you, not even in [all] Israel have I found such great faith [as this], Luke 7:6-9.
An event that takes place earlier in the gospel of Luke proves this point. The centurion in biblical times is a non-com officer in the Roman Army who oversaw 100 men. Using his experience with the chain of command, the centurion didn’t want to waste Jesus’ precious time. All this man needed was for Jesus to give a command, to say the word. When belief replaces doubt, a step of faith results in healing.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 