To obtain our healing, the forgiveness of our sins or offenses is essential to be set free from sickness, illness, or disease. It's crucial to understand why the forgiveness of sins is such a vital part of the healing process. The Amplified Bible clarifies this for us: “They brought to Him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a stretcher. Seeing their (active) faith (springing from confidence in Him), Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Do not be afraid, son; your sins are forgiven. [The penalty is paid, the guilt removed, and you are declared to be in right standing with God.]’”

Although Jesus admired the paralyzed man’s faith and confidence in His ability to heal, He recognized that something greater was needed for the man to obtain his healing. The man needed to be set free first from his sinful nature and the guilt he felt about his past lifestyle. Thus, Jesus addressed his sinful condition before dealing directly with his paralysis.

From our Bible reading, we realize that it does not specify the cause of the man's paralysis or the exact sin that prompted Jesus to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ However, we can safely assume there was a sin issue since Jesus mentioned his ‘sins’. Therefore, before Jesus could heal the man, He had to address the man’s sinful nature first. His sin played a role in holding him captive, contributing to his health problem. Jesus needed to deal with the man’s sin before addressing his health condition because:

1. Sin is the root from which all evil stems.
2. This establishes the importance and precedence of forgiveness in connection to our bodies being healed.
3. It shows Jesus’ number one priority was to deal directly with our sinful nature. Once He deals with our sinful nature, everything else will naturally fall into alignment.

​Resolving our sinful nature is more important than our faith in Jesus’ ability to heal. Our faith does not affect Jesus’ ability to heal, but our sinful nature and lifestyle choices can. Therefore, correcting one’s sinful nature is the primary key to obtaining healing – we must be in the right standing with God. 
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Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)
7. The forgiveness of one’s sins (Matthew 9:2, 6).

Matthew 8:28-31 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” (AMP).
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​Wow! These next few verses are incredibly powerful, uplifting, and encouraging. They vividly illustrate Jesus’ power and authority over demonic forces. It’s striking how these forces immediately recognize who Jesus is and the immense authority He possesses. Understanding this is crucial because, as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17 AMP; Genesis 1:26). When we delve into verses 28 through 30 of Matthew chapter 8, it becomes clear that these scriptures reflect our own identity and authority.

Let’s explore this more deeply to grasp the full meaning. In verse 28, Jesus and His disciples arrived in the region of Gergesenes, where they encountered two demon-possessed men emerging from the graveyard. These men were described as fiercely violent and untamed, to the point where no one could pass by them (v28).

Then comes Jesus. Verse 29 states, "Suddenly they cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God?’" (NKJV). This verse reveals several key points: the demons immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of God and acknowledged His authority by questioning why He was interfering in their domain. They further asked, "Have You come to torment us before the appointed time of judgment?" (AMP).

The demons were fully aware of Jesus’ authority over them. They knew who He was and what He could do. They realized they had no power over Jesus and had to submit to His commands. They understood that Jesus could easily destroy them on the spot.

This is crucial for us to understand in relation to our own authority over principalities, demonic powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). This authority extends especially over sickness, illnesses, and diseases. Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Since we are as He is, we too can exhibit similar power and authority over demonic beings, sicknesses, and diseases. Hence, Jesus instructs His disciples in Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore…." The term "therefore" means for that reason, because of that, on that ground, which implies because of this authority, we are to act on it.

Continuing with verse 19, “Go… and make disciples…” We are sent out with the same authority and power as Christ – just as He is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
 
In the eyes of the spirit world, Jesus is the real deal. They understand and respect His authority and power. Thus, we should strive to walk in this understanding and knowledge about ourselves. As He is, so are we in this world.

Reading verse 31 of Matthew chapter 8, it becomes evident that the demon-possessed men understood they could only go where Jesus allowed. They begged Jesus, "If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine."
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It’s vital to consider this when performing healing or deliverance. Is the person before you afflicted by a demonic spirit causing their issue? If so, where will you direct that spirit once cast out? This understanding is essential for effective healing and deliverance ministry.
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​Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).
6. Know who you are in Christ – as He is so are we (Matthew 8:28-31; 1 John 4:17)

In these few verses, we see that a single 'word' from Jesus is enough to restore someone to good health. Just one word. Whatever the Lord says or decrees, it must be so, for the Word of God declares that He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Therefore, we must place our faith in Him and follow His instructions, especially regarding our health challenges.

If He says you are whole, then you are whole, no matter what the doctor's report says. If He says you are healed, then you are healed because He says it. Thus, in our hearts and minds, the matter should be settled: I AM HEALED. I AM WHOLE BECAUSE OUR KING SAYS SO. We should not accept anything less than what He declares about us. For by His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
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​Ways to Obtain Healing:

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1. Worship (Matthew 8:2).
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13).
3. Administrators feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).
5. All that is required is a Word from Jesus (Matthew 8:16).

Before I continue from where I left off in Matthew chapter 8, I need to backtrack to chapter 4. Here we learn that Jesus was not a specialist doctor, confined to treating specific ailments or diseases. His healing abilities were not limited in any way. Verse 23 illustrates the breadth of Jesus' healing power, as he healed "all kinds of sickness and all kinds of diseases."

This is the realization dawning on me about Jesus and his ministry, especially concerning his healing works. Jesus wasn't healing people for fame or recognition, nor because it was an obligation or mandate. Neither did he do it solely to prove his divine nature to the masses, although these aspects are indeed valid in themselves.

No, he healed various sicknesses, afflictions, diseases, and torments because he was moved with compassion for the people (see Matthew 8:2-3 and 9:36). Compassion entails feeling sorrow for another's suffering or misfortune to the extent of desiring to alleviate it.
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This illustrates Jesus' mercy. Every time he healed someone, he was showing them his mercy. Mercy is an expression of divine favor or compassion, demonstrated through Jesus' compassionate care for those in need.
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Therefore, I comprehend that for healing to truly take effect and materialize, the one administrating this ability must sincerely feel compassion toward the person's suffering. They must possess a genuine and selfless desire to witness the person's healing.

When Jesus healed someone, he sought nothing in return—no financial gain, fame, prestige, or power. His healing ministry was devoid of manipulation or deceit. He acted out of love, desiring to witness positive changes in people's lives. His aim was to alleviate their afflictions and solve their problems, motivated solely by pure compassion and mercy.

Due to his pure and righteous actions, Jesus became renowned, and a large crowd started to follow him (Matthew 8:24-25).

​In Matthew chapter 8, verse 4, Peter's mother-in-law falls ill with a fever. Sometimes healing occurs effortlessly. When Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law, no words were spoken, only a gentle gesture. Jesus simply "touched her hand," and that was sufficient to dispel the fever from her body.

​Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2)
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13)
3. Administrator feel genuinely merciful and compassionate toward the sick (Matthew 8:14-17).
4. A simple sincere gesture (Matthew 8:15).

Matthew 8:7 … Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him (AMP).
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In this story, a centurion approaches Jesus concerning his paralyzed and tormented servant, pleading for healing. Jesus' response in verse 7 is touching, compassionate, and reassuring. He said, "I will come and heal him."

The centurion expresses such confidence in Jesus' healing power that he tells Jesus, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Matthew 8:8). This man's immense faith in Jesus's ability to heal simply by speaking astonishes Jesus.

Now, here's the statement from Jesus that astounded me: "As you have believed..." The Greek word for "believe" is pisteno (G4100), which signifies trusting in, having faith in, and being fully convinced of something. When someone believes, they place their reliance upon it.

Thus, the centurion was utterly convinced that if Jesus spoke, his servant would rise, be liberated from torment, and walk again. It was this unwavering trust in Jesus that prompted Jesus to say, "... As you have believed, so let it be done for you" (Matthew 8:13).

Jesus healed the paralyzed man through the faith of the centurion. As soon as Jesus spoke the words, "So let it be so for you," the servant was healed in that very hour.
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​Ways to Obtain Healing:

1. Worship (Matthew 8:2)
2. The faith of other servants (Matthew 8:7-13)

​Note 1 - Matthew 8:2
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The story begins with Jesus healing a man afflicted with leprosy. To fully appreciate this miracle, it's crucial to understand what leprosy is and the profound impact it has on both the body and an individual's relationship with their community. This context highlights the significance and the remarkable power Jesus demonstrated in this act of healing.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia describes leprosy as "a slowly progressing and intractable disease." In simple terms, it is difficult to control or manage. The disease resists governance, management, and direction, with no available relief, remedy, or cure. Coping with it is like dealing with a stubborn or difficult person.

Compared to other diseases, leprosy deems a person unclean. Anyone who comes into contact with a leper is also considered defiled. Consequently, relationships are strained, with some permanently altered or lost due to the disease. Many have been ostracized from their families and communities because of its devastating effects.
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When a person recovers from leprosy, they are once again considered clean. In contrast, someone cured of any other disease is simply referred to as healed. For example, in Numbers 12:13 and Luke 12:15, both Miriam and the Samaritan are described as healed after their recovery.
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Leprosy begins on the skin and gradually invades the tissues, bones, joints, marrow, and organs, eventually causing the entire body to deteriorate. It progressively damages all the body's organs, impairing the ability to speak, hear, and see, ultimately leading to death. It is believed to spread not through contact but through blood and secretions.

We must remember that, in some contexts, leprosy symbolizes sin—the most severe form of disease. It was used and established by God, and thus, it could only be cured through God's power.

Leprosy serves as a marker of disgrace and shame, forcing individuals into isolation and separating them from God, rendering them spiritually unfit and dead. Those afflicted are pronounced unclean and deformed, leading to their banishment.
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Consider Matthew 8:2, which describes a leper approaching and worshiping Jesus. The key to his healing was worship. However, it’s important to remember that in places of worship, such as churches, healing can only occur if the presence of Jesus is there. The leper said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." He stood before the man with the power to heal him, and he experienced healing.