Miraculous healing has always interested me.

And yet,  I can’t say I’ve ever truly witnessed it. Perhaps, it’s because I’ve spent most of my time in more conservative evangelical circles (Baptist and Brethren). For whatever reason, Jesus doesn’t seem to heal many Baptists. Well, at least not in the miraculous ways that we see in the New Testament.

In John 5, we see an amazing example, where Jesus’ care for the afflicted spurs Him onto one such miraculous healing.

“Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’” (5:3-6)

“‘Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” (5:7-9)

Obviously, any Believer would agree.

The highlight of this account is the miraculous healing that Jesus performed. However, in this passage, verse 6 seems to be key:

• “When Jesus…learned that he had been in this condition for a long time,…“

Consider the care that Jesus has for this man, to “learn” about his condition. It’s so easy for us (me included) to focus on the supernatural part of Jesus; the fact that He is God and knows a lot more about what’s going on.

Jesus could have healed this man without ever speaking with him. However, this passage shows so much humanity! He’s walking through this area with so many hurting and lowly people. He knows every one of their stories, yet he takes time to get to know them.

• He “learned that” this crippled man “had been in this condition for a long time“.

Though He did or could have known this crippled man’s story without ever asking him, He took the time to ask. It is so important to note Jesus’ interest in this man’s story.

What does this reveal about us?

What does that say about us, living and serving in today’s Western Christianity? Are we interested in the stories of the lowly? Or do they have to be famous or have done some sort of amazing feat before we’ll take an interest?

It takes so much time out of our busy day to sit down with someone who has been afflicted in some way. Yet, we all know the internal fulfillment, far outweighs the time we would have spent being “busy”.

Today, we may not be able to miraculously heal anyone. However, whether we grew up Baptist or not, we’re called to be Christ-Followers. May we truly follow Christ’s example and be aware of the people around us. May we spend some time hearing someone’s story today.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How can a Baptist perform miraculous healing?