JESUS’ HEALING: Acts 9:32-34

BIG IDEA

Jesus can heal. He can at any time, from His throne in heaven, heal anyone from any sickness or disability precisely because He died on the cross to defeat the very thing that causes us to get sick or be disabled in the first place—sin. Not only can Jesus heal, but He has promised that He will. For all of us who’s trust is in Him alone, He will one day “transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). What ailments or disabilities do you have? In Christ, you won’t have them forever. In addition to healing, Jesus can raise the dead. We die not as a natural course of life but because of our sin (see Ezekiel 18:20 and Romans 3:23). Therefore since Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sin He has in turn defeated our greatest enemy! Jesus died to kill death. Not only can Jesus raise the dead, He has promised that He will. “If we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His” (Romans 6:5). In the end, Jesus will resurrect all Christians giving them new and glorified bodies. And we will live with Him in complete joy forever. Outside of Jesus, death is a great enemy because it will take you swiftly to hell. In Jesus, death is a great friend because it will take you swiftly to His presence. Is death your enemy or your friend?

SCRIPTURE

ACTS 9:32-43 32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

DISCUSSION

1. Was there anything from the sermon, the big idea, or Acts 9:32-43 that stood out to you, challenged you, or confused you?

Not only can Jesus heal, but He has promised that He will. For all who’s trust is in Him alone, He will one day “transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). What ailments or disabilities do you have? In Christ, you won’t have them forever.

2. What ailments or physical disabilities do you have? Talk about what you’re most excited about concerning our future   healing. How does the accomplishment of Jesus’ cross demonstrate that He cares about both the spiritual and the physical?

We die not as a natural course of life but because of our sin (see Ezekiel 18:20 and Romans 3:23). Therefore since Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sin He has in turn defeated our greatest enemy! Jesus died to kill death.

3. How would you explain “Jesus died to kill death” to someone who doesn’t know Jesus? How does the worlds view of the   reason for death contrast with the Bible’s view? What does Jesus’ resurrection tell us about how we should view death?

Outside of Jesus, death is a great enemy because it will take you swiftly to hell. In Jesus, death is a great friend because it will take you swiftly to His presence.

4. How have you viewed death in the past? Is it any different than the way you view death now? Why or why not.