How Does Jesus Heal?

I recently undertook a statistical analysis of Marks Gospel. I wanted to count the number of incidents of healing, teaching, preaching and the like. Much to my consternation I found only one incident of forgiveness and that was associated with healing at the same time. The story is at Mark 2:1-12, and concerns the four friends who opened a roof in order to lower their paralytic friend to get healing from Jesus. I searched the other Gospels for other instances where Jesus pronounces forgiveness. Matthew has the same story, slightly modified, at Matthew 9:2-7 and no others. Luke has the same story at Luke 5:18-25. Luke also has the woman pouring ointment over the feet of Jesus. Jesus, in this case, reaffirms her experience of forgiveness which motivated her behaviour. Luke also has Jesus forgive those involved in his arrest, trial and execution at Luke 23:34. In Marks Gospel there are 17 incidents of healing or exorcism to individuals or multitudes. The other gospels, apart from parallels with Mark, would increase that total. And yet forgiveness doesnt seem to be a common aspect of Jesus healing. This seems strange given that he declares to the teachers of the law:
Mar 2:10-11 I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth." So Jesus said to the man, "Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home."

Here he insists, in no uncertain terms, that he is Gods agent and has the authority to do what God does. Elsewhere he emphasises his relationship with his father:
Joh 5:19 Jesus told the people: I tell you for certain that the Son cannot do anything on his own. He can do only what he sees the Father doing, and he does exactly what he sees the Father do.

In the gospels Jesus spends a great deal of time explaining and encouraging forgiveness:
Mat 6:14 If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. Mat 18:21-22 Peter came up to the Lord and asked, "How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?" Jesus answered: Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! Mar 11:25 Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins. Luk 11:4 Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And keep us from being tempted.' " Luk 17:3-4 So be careful what you do. Correct any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the ones who say they are sorry. Even if one of them mistreats you seven times in one day and says, "I am sorry," you should still forgive that person.

Jesus places great stress on forgiveness because it works for the forgivers benefit: Scientific Research on Forgiveness Scientific evidence exists that forgiveness, both within and without a theistic context, correlates with psychological healing. One study of special value was conducted by Freedman and Enright (1996). Although small in sample size, their outcome results on the effects of forgiveness upon female incest survivors were provocative. At the conclusion of treatment, the forgiveness group had gained more than the control group in forgiving their victimizers and they experienced increased hope. Moreover, their depression and anxiety scores fell below that of the no treatment control group, raising the possibility that there is a relationship between forgiveness and peace and happiness. When the control group participated in the forgiveness intervention, it made similar gains as the original treatment group.

Examination of individual cases showed that forgivers were able to emotionally heal as they relinquished resentment of their perpetrators. Some participants were even able to reconcile with them. Importantly, the forgiveness intervention correlates to what appears to be a healing of both emotional states and healthy object-relations ability. The paper also quotes other research to support those findings. (A Christian Depth Psychology Of Forgiveness Leading to the Resurrection Effect* Charles L. Zeiders, Psy.D.) The important thing to note in the above study is that forgiveness also leads, in some cases, to reconciliation. Jesus encourages such behaviour:
Mat 5:23-24 So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.

Given Jesus strong emphasis on forgiveness, and its association with healing, why is it not more prominent in the other healings in the gospels? I found two books that may help to explain this conundrum. Jesus the Healer, by Stevan L Davies and Jesus the Village Psychiatrist by Donald Capps. Both authors regard most of Jesus healings to be of persons suffering from somatoform disorders What used to be called psychosomatic disorders. In essence the individual experiences acute emotional distress which he cannot deal with. He is in a catch 22 situation. Because he cannot resolve the conflicting demands, he becomes physically ill. This gives him respite from the conflict. Of course his physical illness is accepted by his peers as a legitimate disability, and the conflict remains out of awareness in his unconscious. First century Palestine was a culture under great stress, at least for the poor which was the bulk of the population. The priests and the aristocracy lived off the work of the peasants. The poor were obliged to give tithes to the Temple. They also had to pay tax to the Roman invaders, and the tax collectors would also demand their share. They could also be co-opted to assist soldiers. Most farms were owned by the aristocracy or the occupying Romans. Many were farm labourers or, if unlucky, day workers who could not guarantee a daily income. At the bottom of the pile were the sick and disabled who would have to beg for a living. Under such conditions bad harvests, injuries, illness of children would present extreme stresses. And to make matters worse they would be unable to keep the purity laws and so would be ritually unclean. Consequently, if the individual couldnt cope psychologically, he might develop physical symptoms to ease his inner conflicts. These were the people uppermost in the mind of Jesus:
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Luk 6:20-21 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples and said: Blessed are you the poor: because yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now: because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now: because you will laugh. Mat 2:17 Jesus heard them and answered, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners."

And, in the main, these were the people who Jesus healed. They flocked to him because there was no one else who was concerned for them. But the question still remains, if their illnesses were somatoform, how did he heal them? I suggest that if we look at the attributes of a psychotherapist we may gain an insight into why people were healed. 1. Good Therapists are Compassionate and Caring Effective therapists are compassionate and can empathize with a clients pain, psychological issues, and other difficulties without judging or making the client feel worse about the problem. 2

2. Good Therapists are Emotionally Stable Effective therapists have resolved (or at least are aware of) their own emotional issues. Theyre able to handle the stress of helping others deal with psychological disorders, without letting their own issues cause problems. 3. Good Therapists are Introspective and Self-Aware Effective therapists are aware of how their own culture, education, socioeconomic status, values, and religious beliefs affect their practice and interaction with patients. 4. Good Therapists Need Strong Interpersonal Skills Effective therapists are comfortable working with different types of people from all walks of life! A therapist can have introverted personality traits but still be successful. Good verbal communication skills are part of strong interpersonal skills, as is the ability to read body language and demeanour and universalized feelings. 5. Good Therapists are Tolerant and Open-Minded Effective therapists are open to new ways of thinking. A good therapist must also accept clients who cant or wont work on their psychological disorders or issues. Good therapists also ensure their clients feel comfortable and safe as they're confiding their deepest secrets and most embarrassing problems. He also has to inspire trust in the process of therapy.

I will suggest that Jesus readily fills all those criteria and more. 1. Good Therapists are Compassionate and Caring
Mat 14:14 And Jesus having gone forth, saw a great crowd and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Mar 1:41 And Jesus, having compassion on him, stretched out his hand, touched him and says to him, I am willing. Be cleansed. Mat 20:34 And Jesus, having compassion on them, touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received their sight and they followed him. Mar 9:22 And often it has cast him both into fire and into waters, That it might destroy him: but if you are able to do anything, help us and have compassion on us. Luk7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, Do not weep. Joh 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. Mat 9:29 Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, you will be healed."

2. Good Therapists are Emotionally Stable

Mat_11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; because I am meek and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. Mat 26:55 Jesus said to the mob, "Why do you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like a criminal? Day after day I sat and taught in the temple, and you didn't arrest me. Mat 4:1 The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so that the devil could test him. Mat 4:10 Jesus answered, "Go away Satan! The Scriptures say: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.' "

3. Good Therapists are Introspective and Self-Aware

Joh 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father works until now and I work. Joh 5:19 Therefore Jesus answered and said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, The Son can do nothing from himself, unless he sees what the Father is doing: for whatever things he does, the Son is also doing these things similarly. Joh 14:10-11 Dont you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn't said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things. Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do.

4. Good Therapists Need Strong Interpersonal Skills

Mat 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Why do you think evil in your hearts? Mat 26:10 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said: Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for me.

Luk 11:17 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said: A kingdom where people fight each other will end up in ruin. And a family that fights will break up.

5. Good Therapists are Tolerant and Open-Minded

Joh 8:10-11 Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore." Mar 10:13-14 Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him. When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God.

Using the criteria for a good therapist I have indicated how Jesus fits the bill. This is only a rough and ready comparison, and other New Testament texts may be more appropriate. The question still remains as to how Jesus healed people when we are talking about somatoform illnesses. I suggest the following factors, especially his authority, make his healings comprehensible. He was regarded as someone special, someone with authority
Mat 16:13-14 When Jesus and his disciples were near the town of Caesarea Philippi, he asked them, "What do people say about the Son of Man?" The disciples answered, "Some people say you are John the Baptist or maybe Elijah or Jeremiah or some other prophet."

A prophet was a powerful figure in Israels history. He was more than just a man as he could perform miracles and healing, e.g. Elijah and Elisha. Once Jesus started to preach and heal his exploits would travel round the countryside. There were already travelling magicians and healers in that culture, but Jesus successes would mark him out as someone in a different class. Geza Vermes rightly points out that Jesus had a particularly powerful charismatic personality and regards him as a charismatic holy man. At the time it is an unknown how the general population regarded Jesus. As the disciples report, perhaps he is a prophet or a particular prophet. Peter declares him to be the Messiah. There may have been other speculations as well. But what all of them must have included was his ability to teach, argue with the religious establishment and most importantly his success as a healer/exorcist. He would have created a climate of great expectations.
Mat 7:28-29 When Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were surprised at his teaching. He taught them like someone with authority, and not like their teachers of the Law of Moses. Mar 1:27 And they were all amazed, so-that they debated among themselves, saying, What is this? What new teaching is this that he commands with authority even the unclean spirits and they obey him. Mat 8:8 And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof; but only speak with the word of authority and my young-servant will be healed. Mat 9:7-8 The man got up and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were afraid and praised God for giving such authority to people. Luk 11:20 But if I use God's power to force out demons, it proves that God's kingdom has already come to you. Mar 9:23-24 Jesus replied, "Why do you say 'if you can'? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!" Right away the boy's father shouted, "I do have faith! Please help me to have even more."

His fame travelled before him and whenever he stopped large crowds of the sick and destitute would gather seeking healing. Under these circumstances Jesus healed. He always had great compassion for people to the extent that he would continue to heal even though he was tired and needed a rest. He was self-assured and confident of his role as Gods agent. He was promoting the Kingdom and causing Satans downfall. He knew what they were thinking, which is another way of saying he could read body language and demeanour. He was open with nothing to hide and no hidden agendas.

Of particular importance is the way he engendered faith. It was the faith or belief he could heal, of the four men that cured the paralysed man lowered from the roof. Their faith and Jesus charisma must have overcome the mans remaining doubts, if he had any. In all the cases where faith has made individuals well, it was a faith that Jesus could do what he said he could, as opposed to a religious faith in his divinity, i.e. faith as confidence in the healer. It is recorded that crowds could be frightened of his healing abilities. This essay was started because of the lack of forgiveness in the context of Jesus healings. However, Jesus was especially non-judgemental:
Luk 6:37 Jesus said: Don't judge others, and God won't judge you. Don't be hard on others, and God won't be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you.

It seems obvious on reflection that being non-judgemental is the precursor of forgiveness. Or even that by being non-judgemental we avoid situations were forgiveness may become necessary. There is no indication that Jesus ever judged those who came for healing. In consequence, they would have felt accepted and even forgiven. Jesus concern and love would have been writ large on his face. His touch would have expressed compassion, especially when the individual was ritually unclean and so would have made Jesus unclean as well. So the answer to my original question is that Jesus did indeed forgive many who he healed, but by touch and welcoming the sick rather than always pronouncing that they were forgiven. Summary What did those who came to be healed, see?

A man who had healed others, perhaps their relatives and friends. A man who was a prophet or Messiah. A man who was self-assured, self-possessed, confident and powerful. A man who listened, cared, took an interest in them, gave them his undivided attention. A man who didnt judge, forgave and empathised with their circumstances. A man who touched them, reassured them, valued them and gave them his time. A man who spoke of Gods Kingdom and their preferential position in it. A man who said his healings and exorcisms were dismantling Satans power.

This was how he healed. It is interesting to note that he couldnt heal in NazarethThey saw only a carpenters son and nothing more.

Coda:
Mat 8:17 So God's promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said, "He healed our diseases and made us well."