Helande i NT:s evangelier. Initiativtagande, genomförande och konsekvenser i helandenarrativ

Abstract

This essay investigates healing narratives in the Gospels of the New Testament of the Bible. The research question is: Which tendencies are possible to identify in the healing narratives of the Gospel concerning initiative, performance and consequences? Tendencies include similarities, differences, developments and suggestions. Narrative criticism is used to answer the question and relevant information about situation, characters and plot is documented. Several tendencies are possible to identify. Concerning initiative, representatives constitutes the largest category taking initiative to heal, followed by Jesus and the healed themselves. Representatives and healed utilize similar methods, using physical displacement and words to get in contact with Jesus. They make big efforts, seem convinced that healing is possible and about Jesus’ ability to perform it. When Jesus takes initiative, he does so by compassion or in situations with potential conflicts. Concerning performance, Jesus uses words and touch. There are hardly any claims before the performance, but in some instances faith is stated to have supported healing. The effect comes immediately, and Jesus appears to heal without efforts. Concerning consequences, the evangelists show different tendencies, but spreading of information seems important to all of them.