Question: In Matthew 23-25, Jesus heals "those possessed with devils...those which were lunatick," etc. What is "lunatick"? Does it refer to a medical, or mental problem?

Question: Jesus' healings in Matthew 23-25 appear to be separated into different categories but under one heading, "all sick people." The problems are listed: "divers diseases...torments...those possessed with devils...those which were lunatick, etc. What is "lunatick"? Does it refer to a medical, or mental problem?

Response: The different categories have no significance except to show that all were healed who came to Christ.

The word "lunatick" occurs only twice in the Bible, both in Matthew:4:24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
See All... and Matthew:17:15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
See All.... It is the same as our word, lunatic, which means insane. In Matthew:4:24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
See All..., there seems to be no demonic involvement because "lunatick" is distinguished from "those which were possessed with devils." The Bible indicates that one can become irrational due to wrong thoughts, imaginations, jealousy, etc., and we are told to "bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians:10:3-6 [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; [6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
See All...). Yet in Matthew:17:15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
See All..., it is made very clear that the "lunatick" in this case was demon possessed because "Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him."

We are not dealing here with a medical diagnosis, because science cannot discern demonic possession. These verses would lead one to conclude that there probably are many persons today diagnosed as insane who will spend the rest of their days in a heavily medicated stupor, when all the time the problem is demon possession and they need spiritual deliverance.

Unfortunately, a psychiatric hospital would not look with favor upon a Christian, even a close relative, coming in to cast a demon or demons out of a patient. In fact, such a person would be prevented from any contact with the patient.