The laying on of hands isn’t just a relic of biblical times—it’s a living, foundational practice for every believer. When I read Mark 16:15-18, Jesus’ words hit hard: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel… And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (NKJV). This isn’t reserved for apostles or pastors; it’s for those who believe. Let’s explore this elementary doctrine of Christ—its roots, its power, and why it’s for you and me today.

A Basic Doctrine of Faith

Hebrews 6:1-2 calls the laying on of hands one of the “elementary principles of Christ,” alongside repentance, faith, and baptism. It’s not advanced theology—it’s the foundation. Jesus modeled it constantly. In Matthew 8:2-3, a leper begged, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus didn’t hesitate—He stretched out His hand, touched him, and said, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Instantly, the leprosy vanished. This wasn’t a ritual; it was an act of authority and compassion, releasing divine power through physical touch.

Jesus’ Example: Transmission of Power

Take Mark 8:22-25—the healing of the blind man in Bethsaida. People brought him to Jesus, pleading for a touch. Jesus led him out of town, spat on his eyes, and laid hands on him. The man saw partially—people like “trees walking.” So Jesus touched him again, and his sight cleared completely. This wasn’t Jesus praying twice; He transmitted the anointing in stages. Some call it progressive healing, a rare two-stage miracle in the Gospels. I see it as a lesson: faith and healing can unfold gradually, requiring persistence and trust in God’s process.

Scholars note this miracle follows Jesus rebuking the disciples’ dullness (Mark 8:17-21). Like the blind man’s partial sight, their grasp of Jesus’ mission was foggy—needing a second “touch” of revelation. For us, it’s a reminder: the laying on of hands isn’t magic—it’s a conduit for God’s power, sometimes instant, sometimes unfolding over time.

The Early Church Carried It Forward

The apostles didn’t shelve this practice—they ran with it. In Acts 28:8-9, Paul visited Publius’ father, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul prayed, laid hands on him, and he was healed. Word spread, and others on the island came, receiving healing the same way. Jesus and the early church used laying on of hands more than any other method for healing. Why? It’s tangible, personal, and biblical—a direct transfer of God’s anointing through believers’ hands.

For All Believers, Not Just the “Special”

Mark 16:17-18 ties this to belief, not titles. “These signs will follow those who believe”—not just clergy. You don’t need a seminary degree; you need faith in Jesus’ name. Hebrews 6:2 lists it as foundational, meaning it’s not optional—it’s core to our walk. When Jesus said, “They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover,” He meant us—ordinary disciples stepping out in extraordinary faith.

Why It Matters Today

The laying on of hands bridges the physical and spiritual. It’s not about us having power—it’s about Jesus working through us. I’ve seen it in action: an elder I know, healed four times himself, lays hands on others with unshakable faith, and miracles follow. It’s not showy; it’s biblical. Whether it’s instant like the leper’s cleansing or progressive like the blind man’s sight, God honors this act of obedience.

So why don’t we see it more? Maybe we’ve overcomplicated it—or doubted it’s for us. But Scripture says otherwise. It’s not about perfection; it’s about trust. Next time someone’s sick or hurting, don’t just pray from a distance—step out, lay hands on them in Jesus’ name, and watch God move.

Your Turn

This is our inheritance as believers. Jesus touched the untouchable. Paul healed through faith-filled hands. You can too. Have you experienced or witnessed the laying on of hands? Share below—let’s stir each other up to live this foundational truth boldly.