Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. Matthew 26:6 (NLT)
Not long after my grandmother had her third child she came down with an autoimmune disease. Sores covered her body, she lost her teeth, and she was hospitalized for months. The doctor told her husband that he didn’t understand what was happening, but he had no hope for her recovery.
Even though she wasn’t raised knowing about Jesus, she cried out to Him. She asked for Him to heal her. She prayed like she never prayed before, and Jesus met her there. He healed her.
She walked out of that hospital and raised her three daughters and cared for her husband. She even worked outside the home for many years, and she was known for her cooking and hospitality. Now in her eighties, she is still a strong believer who turns to the Lord daily in prayer. Jesus changes everything. He can turn those who are down-and-out, or on their death beds, into party hosts!
And it was at Simon the Leper’s party that one of the most beautiful displays of love for Christ was shown. “While [Jesus] was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head” (Mark 14:3, niv). When we turn to Jesus for help and healing, the impact extends far beyond ourselves.
Simon’s healing allowed him to open his home to others, transforming it into a gathering place for those who wanted to know Jesus more intimately. My grandmother’s healing allowed her to become an important influence to many, especially me. Often we want healing for ourselves, but Jesus knows it will affect so many more.
Faith Step: Do you need a specific healing in your life? Turn to Jesus in prayer. If you have been healed, offer yourself, and your home, to others. Throw a party!
