LESSON 19 Jesus Heals the Sick This lesson contains many stories and can be divided into two or more lessons. Summary of Today s Story In chapters 8 and 9 in the Gospel of Matthew, we hear many stories of Jesus healing people: a leper (Matthew 8:1-4) a Roman centurion s servant (Matthew 8:5-13) Peter s mother-in-law and others (Matthew 8:14-17) the Gadarene demoniacs (Matthew 8:28 9:1) a paralyzed man (Matthew 9:2-8) a dead girl and a hemorrhaging woman (Matthew 9:18-25) two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31) a mute man (Matthew 9:32-34) Key Concepts Healing vs. curing Mind, body and spirit connection (holistic approach to healing) Miracles Where You ll Find Today s Story In the Bible We recommend the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Matthew 8 9 In Our Sunday Lectionary Today s story is told in church on the following Sundays: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (on prayer): Year A, B and C: Ash Wednesday Matthew 5:1-12 (Beatitudes): Year A, B and C: All Saints Day Year A: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Matthew 5:13-20: Year A: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37: Year A: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany and Proper 1 (closest to May 11) Matthew 5:38-48: Year A: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany and Proper 2 (closest to May 18) Matthew 6:24-34: Year A: Eighth Sunday after Epiphany and Proper 3 (closest to May 25) Matthew 7:21-27 Year A: Proper 4 (closest to June 1)
2 Lesson 19 Jesus Heals the Sick Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Weaving Our Story with the Biblical Story Both Jewish (Talmudic) and early Christian sources agree that Jesus performed miracles and healings during his lifetime. In Matthew, Jesus healing ministry follows his preaching of the Sermon on the Mount in which he proclaims the kingdom of God. Then he brings the kingdom to earth by bringing people to wholeness, which is the beginning of bringing all of creation to wholeness. Having shown Jesus as Messiah of the word, Matthew now presents Jesus as the Messiah of the deed. Jesus healing power does not prove that he is the Son of God. He is not the Son of God because he healed the sick. Rather, his healing is a sign of God s presence in him, God working in him as in no other person. The healings are a sign that God, through Jesus, is healing God s creation, which God promised to do in the fullness of time. Jesus is God with us. Remember, in the Old Testament, we learned that God stays with us no matter what. Here, Jesus shows himself as the abiding presence of God, making us whole. The Episcopal Thread Episcopalians take a holistic approach to healing. We ask for healing, not curing, knowing that God s way of healing may not be our way. When praying for someone and confused about what to ask for, we often say, We entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for (BCP, p. 831). However, the church also recognizes the need to ask God for healing, following Jesus ministry of healing. The sacramental rite of Unction of the Sick, also called Ministration to the Sick (BCP, p. 453-461), involves anointing the sick with holy oil or the laying on of hands to summon God s grace in healing the spirit, mind and body. This suggests a holistic approach to healing, asking God not so much to cure our disease but to make us whole. Many Episcopal churches also offer anointing or laying on of hands at regular services, including Sunday services. Special services of prayer and healing are also offered at times of critical need. For prayers for the sick or for use by a sick person, see the Book of Common Prayer, pages 458-461. And who are those that are healed? In these stories, they are often the outcasts those who are by Jewish law unclean because of their illnesses. There is the leper, a demoniac, a woman with a hemorrhage. There is also the servant of a Gentile soldier, a nod to Jesus reaching out to the whole world. Jesus allows access to salvation to all, including those we consider to be outcasts. As we follow Jesus, we, too, can offer our hospitality and open our arms to all people.
3 Lesson 19 Jesus Heals the Sick Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Gathering Check-In Invite group members to sit comfortably, giving them an opportunity to visit with each other, establish friendships and build community. Relationships are an important dimension of Christian formation, so a few minutes of visiting will enrich their spiritual development. This is also the perfect time to check in with group members by asking them to share how they are feeling at the time or what kind of a week they had. matches cross Prayer Materials: small table with cloth to cover it taper candle or one pillar candle After group members have a few minutes of fellowship time, gather them together for a simple opening prayer. Ask one member to light the candle while saying these words from Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Explain that you are inviting the light of God to be with all of you. (You might consider posting this verse from Psalm 119 in the meeting room.) Telling the Story Set the scene: Before you read the story, discuss: How is our social time good for the mind, body and spirit? Today s stories there are nine or ten of them are wonderful stories about healing miracles. Read them aloud or tell them in your own words. You may pick a few stories to tell or you can spend two or more weeks on this lesson and tell all the stories. Jesus healing ministry is an important part of his work and reflects the importance of making people whole and curing the sick, so feel free to expand on this lesson. The story of the Gadarene Demoniacs (Matthew 8:28-9:1) is a good story for a different kind of expressive storytelling. This story is the closest the gospels come to comic storytelling. To the Israelites, pigs were not only unclean but funny. To Gentiles (non-jews), the Jews horror of pigs was a subject for laughter and teasing. Some people jokingly call this the story of deviled ham. These stories tell of miraculous healings by Jesus. Be prepared for some expressions of doubt, some questions, some skepticism. Let group members express these feelings and ask them, How do you describe healing? Invite the member who lit the candle to read this prayer: Dear God, You are with us everywhere and always: in our minds, in our bodies, in our spirits. Stay with us and fill us with the healing light of your presence, and help us as we share your healing goodness with others we meet along the way. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Carefully extinguish the candle.
4 Lesson 19 Jesus Heals the Sick Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Activities: Arts, Crafts, Games, Drama, etc. Select one or more activities to supplement and enhance today s story. For each lesson, there are five suggested activities, one from each of the REACT categories. For a detailed explanation of REACT, see page 10 of the Introduction. All activities are meant to reinforce the concepts that were central to the day s lesson. Activities for This Week s Session Additional activity ideas can be found on pages 2-6 in the Appendix where we ve provided suggestions and directions for a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson. Also included are outreach and service projects that can be done at any time.
5 Lesson 19 Jesus Heals the Sick Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Weaving Our Faith Lesson Box Materials: 1 3" x 5" index card for the day s scribe pen or pencil a file box in which to store the cards Ask for a volunteer or assign a group member to act as scribe. Then, ask the group to articulate the most important lesson gleaned from the day s reading. As prompts, you might ask: Think about a time you have been sick in heart (heartbroken), in mind (anxious or worried), or in body for a long period of time. How can Jesus make us well? Do you believe in the mind-body-spirit connection? What does this mean to you? Once the group has agreed on its wording, ask the scribe to write the lesson on the card, date it and file it in the box. By the end of the year, you will have a wonderful and thorough summation of the lessons covered in the participants own words. Closing Prayer Before the group leaves, say a closing prayer to send them into the church worship service or back to their homes with God s love and blessing. Today s prayer is taken from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 461: O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. End the lesson with a dismissal that is used in church, such as: The peace of the Lord be always with you. The group responds: And also with you.
COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS Group members think about how they can realistically translate their good intentions into actions. Materials: poster board or large sheet of paper large markers masking tape or poster putty large index cards pen and pencils Preparation: Post the large paper or poster board on the wall. Divide the paper or poster into two columns. Title the left-hand column I COULD/WOULD/SHOULD Title the right-hand column I WILL Give each member an index card and a pen or pencil. Directions: 1. First, do some brainstorming with the entire group. Ask them to name some very general things they could do to become better people. For example, I could be more patient, I would be nicer, or I should control my temper. 2. As group members give suggestions, write them in the left-hand column on the poster board. 3. Next, ask the group to think about very specific ways to achieve each of these goals; write each one next to its partner. For example, I won t bug my sister about the bus coming every second, I will strike up a conversation with that new kid in my class, or I will count to 10 before I speak in anger. 4. Finally, tell group members to copy onto their index cards the answers that speak to them. You might discuss: Which of these do you think you could accomplish? Which ones are you willing to try? Is there anything else you would be willing to try to turn one of your Coulda/Woulda/Shoulda s into action? List that, too! Close: Invite participants to take their cards home and post them in a place where they can serve as a daily reminder of their intentions. 6 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS In Matthew 6 8, there are many instances of Jesus touching and healing the suffering. In many Episcopal churches, the laying on of hands is part of every service. In this activity, the youth learn about and experience this ministry. Preparation: At least a week in advance of this lesson, invite members of your church s healing ministry group to visit and speak with your group. This is an excellent opportunity for adult members of the congregation to join in and share their experiences with this ministry. Note: This exercise will be more effective with more than one healing minister. Directions: Part I: 1. Ask your guests to share their experiences with healing ministry. You might ask some of the following questions: What is the purpose of laying on of the hands? What drew you to this group? How does the laying on of hands work? Are there any special prayers you have to memorize? Who can take part in this ministry? Have you helped people with this? How? 2. At this point, invite the group members to ask their own questions. 3. If there are additional guests in the room, ask them to share their experiences with healing ministry: How has it helped them? What benefits have they received? How did they feel during the process? Part II: 1. Ask the members of the healing ministry to stand in different parts of the room. 2. Ask volunteers from your group to take part in the laying on of hands. Explain that they should think of issues or problems they would like help with or healing for. 3. Invite each volunteer to walk up to the minister and quietly tell him/her about the issue or problem in mind. 4. Allow as many as desire to take part in this activity. 7 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
Close: From those who received the laying on of hands, ask volunteers to answer two questions: What did you feel? Where was God in this? 8 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY CONTINUED
Participants talk about miracles in three contexts: miracles performed by Jesus modern-day miracles miracles they wish or hope for IT S A MIRACLE! Throughout their discussions, the central question is, Where was/is God in these events? Materials: copies of the It s a Miracle worksheets (pp. 10-11), 1 per participant pens and pencils Preparation: Run off enough copies of the It s a Miracle worksheets (pp. 10) for the entire group. Directions: 1. Before handing out the worksheet, jumpstart the activity with some thought-provoking questions about the nature of miracles. Some suggested questions are: Have you ever heard of a miracle being performed? How do you feel about miracles? Why do people believe in miracles? What role does faith play in miracles? How do you define faith? 2. Hand out the worksheet and pens or pencils. The worksheet can be used simply as a guide for a group discussion or as a quiet, individual activity followed by a discussion. Group members may work alone or in pairs. Specific instructions for the activity can be found on the worksheet. 3. Allow about 10-15 minutes for the activity. Once everyone has finished, ask them to share some of their answers. End the discussion with the question: Where was/is God in these events? 9 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
IT S A MIRACLE In Jesus day, the word miracle was used to describe an amazing act of faith: helping a blind man to see, bringing the dead back to life, etc. Nowadays, aside from the recognized miracles of saints or divines, the phrase It s a miracle is somewhat overused. For example, you might have heard it used in the following ways: Bill is on time; it s a miracle, It s a miracle; I passed my math test, or A four-leaf clover: now that s a miracle! In this activity, you ll think about miracles in 3 ways: the ones Jesus is credited as performing, events or inventions that people once called miracles, and miracles you d like to see in the future. An example of each has been provided to get you started. 10 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued
Jesus Miracles Modern-Day Miracles Miracles I d Like to See Jesus helped a blind man see. Penicillin a cure for cancer Now that you ve finished, think about this question; write an answer if you ve got one: Where was/is God in all of these events? What role did God play? 11 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued
GIFTS THAT HEAL: DOLLS FOR CHILDREN Group members make original dolls to distribute to hospitalized or needy children. Note: This activity will take at least two sessions. Materials: large pieces of felt or cotton fabric felt and fabric glue scissors (sharp enough to cut fabric) embellishments: pom-poms, buttons, fabric or yarn flowers large sewing needles (large enough to accommodate embroidery thread) embroidery thread, assorted colors standard needles and thread stuffing (1 large bag should fill several dolls) chalk or washable marker pencils or rulers (to help with stuffing) fabric paint large paper clips colored ribbon copies of the doll pattern (p. 15), 1 per participant, preferably printed on card stock or other heavy paper Plan for Week One: Cut out patterns and doll bodies. Design faces. Glue or sew dolls together. plan for Week Two: Stuff dolls. Glue on faces. Embellish with pom-poms, etc. Preparation: Copy the basic doll patterns onto card stock. Make one for each member of the group. Decide if you want each group member to make one complete doll or to form an assembly line and assign tasks according to the participants talents. 12 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
Directions for Week One: 1. Cut out the body pattern and trace it onto a piece of felt or fabric. Remember: cut two pieces! 2. Once the two doll pieces are cut, place them, right side out, together. Trim off any irregularities so the two pieces match. 3. Glue or sew the two pieces together. Let the glue dry while you construct the face. 4. If you choose to sew them, use two or three strands of embroidery thread and one of the large needles. Use a simple outline or stem stitch to sew doll together. 5. Leave a 3" section of the doll open for stuffing (either at the top of the head, on the side, or in the foot.) Make sure the glue is dry before you begin to stuff the doll next week. 6. Using contrasting felt or fabric, cut out eyes, nose, and mouth for the doll. Glue them onto the face piece. Add tummy buttons if desired. Or use small pom-poms or flowers for the eyes and nose. Add buttons if desired. Keep in mind that buttons or any other detachable items should not be used on dolls for very small children. Or draw the elements of the face with fabric paint. Be careful: This paint is sometimes thick and hard to use on felt. Practice on a spare piece of fabric or felt. Apply slowly and evenly. It also takes a while to dry. 13 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY CONTINUED
Directions for Week Two: 1. Today, the participants will be stuffing the dolls and gluing on the faces. 2. Carefully open up the section that was left unglued or unsewn. 3. Place small amounts of stuffing into the doll; push it into place with a pencil or ruler, being careful not to push too hard. 4. Continue until the doll is filled with stuffing and is soft and plush but not overstuffed. 5. Sew or glue the open section. If gluing, use the paper clips to make sure the section stays closed until dry. 6. Add pom-poms, flowers, or buttons, if desired. 7. Paint or attach a fabric heart to the doll s chest in the proper location. 8 Tie a ribbon into a bow around the doll s neck, if desired. 9. Carefully glue on the completed face. Let dry completely before delivering. Close: Make arrangements to distribute the dolls to a children s ward in a local hospital, a homeless or crisis shelter, or to the police or fire department. If the group desires, they may take the time to make small gift cards to go with each doll. On the card, they may write a message of good wishes for the child s good health and healing. Attach the card to the ribbon. 14 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY CONTINUED
15 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY CONTINUED
SPIRITUALITY AND HEALING Helping, fixing, and serving represent three different ways of seeing life. When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul (Remen, Rachel Naomi, RN. Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal. New York: Riverhead Books; 1997). Group members learn about the importance of spirituality, compassionate care and prayer in dealing with those who are ill. You may focus on one or more of the choices outlined below. Note: Before you take on these activities, you should find out if any of your group members have family members who are chronically or critically ill, as this may be too stressful for them. Option 1: Spirituality and Health Discussion Read and discuss portions of the article, The Role of Spirituality in Health Care by Christina M. Puchalski, MD, MS, found at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc1305900. We suggest you first read the article to decide which sections to share with the group. (Many sections of the article are technical and meant for doctors and researchers.) Focus on the general sections and personal stories of patients and how they were helped by compassionate care and the addressing of their spiritual needs. After sharing portions of the article, discuss: What is spirituality? Is it the same for everyone? What are some of the fears people have? What are some of the things that helped relieve these fears? How do the doctors and nurses attend to the needs of the mind, body and spirit? Do you think this kind of care would make you feel better if you were sick? Why or why not? Option 2: Hospice Guest Invite a hospice volunteer to speak with your group about hospice care and the importance of paying attention to a person s spirituality as part of their overall care. Work with the group to write down the questions they d like to ask of the guest(s). Some possible questions might include: How has patient care changed over the course of the past 10 years? Do you ever pray with your patients? What is hospice? Do you notice any differences in your patients health or outlook when they receive this type of care? What kinds of changes have you noticed? Note: For more information about hospice care, go to www.hospice.com, the website for Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT, the first hospice facility in the country. 16 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY
Option 3: Prayer Chain Explain the purpose of a prayer chain to the group and ask them if they d like to start their own. If so, continue with the steps below. First, decide on the easiest method and time of contact (phone call, cell phone call, e-mail, texting, etc.). Make sure that contact is made outside of school or church time. Second, ask for one person to volunteer to be the Prayer Chain Captain. This person is responsible for getting the message to the rest of the group about the need for prayers. If the group is large, you may want to assign more than one captain to cut down on the number of contacts to make. Third, get everyone s contact information and give it to the captains. (They need to be above reproach and promise not to give out this information to anyone outside the prayer chain!) Make sure, as the group leader, that you keep all of this information on hand and that you, too, are part of the chain. Next, explain the basic structure of the chain: Someone hears about a person who needs or is requesting prayer. That prayer chain member calls one of the captains and gives him/her the person s name (1st name or initials are enough). The captain(s) then call the assigned prayer chain members and ask them to pray for this person. How often to pray may be decided by the group or the individual. Finally, put the chain into practice. The group may choose to give itself a name. They may select prayers to be used or leave this up to the discretion of each participant. Option 4: Prayer Books Participants each make a Book of Prayers to give to the homebound or sick in the congregation. Materials: copies of various prayers for different occasions, including the Twenty-Third Psalm (King James Version); prayers for the sick (the Book of Common Prayer, pp. 458-459); prayers for morning and evening (look in the Prayer Book under Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer); other prayers (BCP, pp. 810-841); any other prayers/meditations you may find poster board or card stock, cut in 6" x 9" rectangles for the book cover markers assorted decorative elements, especially jewels, sequins, stickers and glitter glue hole punch (3-hole works best) thin ribbon, assorted colors, to match or complement the covers Preparation: Make copies of the selected prayers on half-sized white paper (that is, the top and bottom half of 8½" x 11" paper), enough so that each participant has one of every prayer. Cut the poster board or card stock into 6" x 9" sections. Punch holes in the prayer papers for binding, and in the poster board covers, as well. 17 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY CONTINUED
Directions: 1. Give each group member two poster board covers and the selected prayers. Invite them to make a Book of Prayers they can give to someone in need: Decorate the front cover with markers and decorative items. Let dry. Assemble the book, starting with the front cover, followed by the selected the prayers in the order desired, and finishing with the back cover. Align the holes in the book, and then tie firmly with ribbons. Deliver to congregation members or arrange with lay eucharistic ministers to deliver them. 18 Lesson 19 JESUS HEALS THE SICK Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY CONTINUED