In the Christian church we see how elders and ministers lay their hands on God's people. However, many people do not fully understand the meaning of this act. Today we will see that there is a long trajectory to this sacred and meaningful act.
The laying on of hands represents God's delegated authority for a specific act. It was used in the earliest years by the Jewish people. Hence, we see the following uses in the Old Testament.
1. to consecrate animals for sacrifice by transferring the sins of the offeror to the animal
· “You shall also have the bull brought before the tabernacle of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull." (Exodus 29:10 NKJV)
· " Then he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him." (Leviticus 1:4 NKJV).
2. to declare or transfer authority and impart wisdom, so we see Moses consecrate Joshua as his worthy substitute with the power that this implicated
· "Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses." (Deuteronomy 34:9 NKJV).
In the New Testament, this act was used in different ways and for many purposes, as follows.
1. To impart gifts:
· "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership." (1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV)
· "Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timotheus 1:6 NKJV)
2. To heal:
· " And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God." (Luke 13:13 NKJV)
· "And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him." (Acts 28:8 NKJV)
3. To impart a blessing:
· " And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them." (Mark 10:16 NKJV)
4. To ordain as a minister:
· " whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them." (Acts 6:6 NKJV)
5. To pray for someone
· " Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.” (Matthew 19:13-15 NKJV)
6. For someone to receive the Holy Ghost
· " Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." (Acts 8:17 NKJV)
The act of laying on of the hands must be done with seriousness and responsibility. Imposing the hands is not a magic rite, power is not in us, but in God who has delegated to us and authorized us to use it within certain parameters. Thus, we are warned: "Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22 NKJV)
