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Introduction • The third healing story • As the other two this is a simple story • It can be interpreted in several ways
Biblical Notes 16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. (Matt. 8:16 NAU) • “Many” in verse 16 • “Demon possessed” in verse 16
Near East Culture • “Fevers” were not considered serious • Culture of Hospitality • Cause of sickness was sin
Biblical Support of Sickness as sin • There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; There is no health in my bones because of my sin. Psalm 38:3 • Fools, because of their rebellious way, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Psalm 107:17 • I will bring distress on men So that they will walk like the blind, Because they have sinned against the LORD; And their blood will be poured out like dust And their flesh like dung. Zephaniah 1:17
So also I will make you sick, striking you down, Desolating you because of your sins. Micah 6;13 • And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?" John 9:2
Translation • What is a paraphrase translation • Translating the passage with the culture • Paraphrase translation
For us Today • The guilt of committing a sin can make you sick • Sin can be an addiction, addiction is a sickness, therefore sin can cause sickness • Positive thoughts help build the immune system • Praying to Jesus for healing • Jesus can lead us away from sin and sickness • Therefore, Jesus cures sin like an illness