Jesus' Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand in Matthew 12:9-14: A Model for Ministry in Africa

John Appiah, PhD

Abstract

Jesus' healing of the man with the withered hand in Matt 12:9-14 can serve as a model for healing for the church in Africa. Jesus placed high value on human health and wellness in his ministry. Africans regard good health as equivalent with life itself. Studies (see Samuels et al.,2010; Mati, 2013; Magezi, 2018) have shown that the role that the church in Africa can play in relation to provision of healthcare is underutilized. The church in Africa should provide preventive and curative aspects of healthcare to improve the wellbeing of Africans in the continent. This is an exegetical study. The article utilized the textcentered approach to biblical interpretation. The leaders of the church in Africa, Bible students, political leaders, and members of the general public who are concernedwith provision of healthcare in Africa would find this article useful. I argue that the provision of preventive and curative healthcare in Africa by the church would prolong the lifespan of Africans. I recommend that (1) that church embarks on periodic and sustained health education campaign in African communities; (2) that the church establishes clinics, hospitals, and sanitariums to provide preventive and curative health ministries in Africa; and (3) that church members are encouraged to adopt good healthy lifestyles to serve as good examples to their communities. These would help promote improved health among Africans. It would also draw Africans closer to Jesus and make Christianity attractive and acceptable to them.