The Healer

During the Savior’s mortal ministry, He was known as a miraculous healer.

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:

Matthew 15:30

Jesus also healed unseen wounds. To the man who was paralyzed, He first said, “Thy sins be forgiven thee,” before adding, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk” (Mark 2:1-12).

Both Nephi and King Benjamin prophesied that Jesus would be a healer. (See 1 Nephi 11:31, Mosiah 3:5.) Nephi also prophesied that after being resurrected, the Savior would appear to Nephi’s descendants and heal them (2 Nephi 26:9).

After the destruction which coincided with the death of Jesus Christ, the people on the American continent heard His voice asking the following question, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” (3 Nephi 9:13).

He later descended from heaven, taught them His gospel, and healed the sick and the disabled among them. (See 3 Nephi 17:5-10, 3 Nephi 26:15.)

Jesus also gave power to His disciples so that they could “heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” After giving them this power, He directed them to use it: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:1, 8).

On the American continent, Jesus also gave His disciples power to heal, and they performed many miracles in His name. (See 4 Nephi 1:5.) He also advised them to be patient with people in need of spiritual healing, even if they aren’t yet ready to receive that healing: “Unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them” (3 Nephi 18:32).

Today, I will remember the Savior’s power to heal. I will turn my heart toward Him and repent of my sins, so that I can be healed. I will have compassion toward the people around me and interact with them as a healer, not a judge. And I will be patient with those who aren’t yet ready to be healed, knowing that the Savior stands ready to heal them as soon as they are ready to receive His healing power.