Bible Question:
Where can I find descriptions of healing rituals in the Bible?
Bible Answer:
The Bible does record some unexplained occurrences that involve rituals or magic; however, they are related to rods becoming snakes (Exodus 7), or water turning into blood (Exodus 7:20-22), or references to exorcisms (Matthew 12:27), but not healings.
Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts. For each one threw down his staff and they turned into serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. (NASB) Exodus 7:11-12
Miracles – Only A Thought
The Bible does not contain rituals, magic, or techniques for healing people. What we do find in scripture are instantaneous miracles which occur as the result of spoken words or no words at all. Here is an illustration of one of Jesus’ miracles.
And when He had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, entreating Him, and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering great pain.” And He said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. . . . And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; let it be done to you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed that very hour. (NASB) Matt. 8:5-13
The servant who was healed was not nearby and Jesus did not perform any ritual. It is important to understand that God performed miracles throughout the Bible. He performs miracles with a wish or a thought of His mind. What great power!
Miracles – Healing and other
Miracles can be found throughout the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. Here is a list of all the miracle passages in the Bible. Some are about healing and others are not.
| Description | Passage | Number of Miracles |
|---|---|---|
| Call to Moses | Exodus 4:1-30 | 4 |
| Plagues on Egypt | Exodus 8:1-12:9 | 10 |
| Exodus from Egypt | Exodus 14:21-17:11 | 4 |
| Miracles in Numbers | Numbers 16:28-32; 20:8-11; 21:8-9 | 4 |
| Joshua’s Miracles | Joshua 3, 6, and 10:12-13 | 3 |
| Elijah’s miracles | 1 Kings 17:1-18:38; 18:41-46 2 Kings 1:10; 2:8 | 7 |
| Elisha’s miracles | 2 Kings 2:1-6:18; 13:21 | 13 |
| Isaiah’s miracles | 2 Kings 20 | 2 |
| Jesus’ miracles | Matt. 8:3, 5-13, 14-17, 26, 28-34; 9:18, 20-22, 27-30, 32-33; 12:10-13<, 12:22-24; 14:15-21, 25-26; 15:22-28, 32-38; 17:24-27; 21:19 | 17 |
| Mark 1:26, 40-42; 7:32-35; 8:23-25; 10:46 | 5 | |
| Luke 5:4-7, 18-26; 7:11-16; 9:37-43; 17:12; 13:11-13; 14:2-4; 22:50-51; 24:1-6 | 9 | |
| John 2:1-9; 4:46-53; 5:5-9; 9:1-7; 11:1-57; 21:2-6 | 6 | |
| Peter’s miracles | Acts 3:1-9; 5:1-15; 9:32-42 | 3 |
| Paul’s miracles | Acts 13:6-12; 14:1-10; 16:16-18; 19:11-12; 20:7-12; 28:1-8 | 7 |
Conclusion:
But the greatest miracle of all is the miracle of a new life that is given by God and God alone. It is called eternal life. It is not the result of rituals or magic spells, nor does it require a pastor or some “miracle man.” All that is required to receive eternal life is to desire to have your sins forgiven and to start trusting Jesus Christ to forgive you. We call it believing in Jesus. Learn more on the page Searching for God.