We need to see with fresh eyes each time we read Scripture. The interactions of the people, both with each other and with Jesus, provides us with practical insight into the way Jesus also desires to interact with each one of us in our present day.
Two stories of healing recently recaptured my attention. Each story tells of an encounter with Jesus – an unexpected meeting, a casual incident. But by no means were either an accident.
There was the woman with the issue of blood. She had seen many doctors over the twelve years of ill health but had only gotten worse. She enters the crowd of people, not giving thought to the fact she was ceremonially unclean.
She was an outcast. She had lost all purpose and identity within society. In coming, she experiences a unique and personal encounter with Jesus, resulting in her physical healing.
In another story, there was a paralyzed man, lowered through the roof of a home by his determined friends. His infirmity had robbed him of his identity and purpose within society. He had become a beggar on the streets. His encounter with Jesus also resulted in his physical healing, his ability to walk being fully restored.
Both of these people had lost their identities due to the restrictions placed upon them by the Law and society. Their encounters with Jesus went far beyond their physical needs.
Along with their physical healing,
Christ restored their identity and relationship with Him.
To the woman, Christ says: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.†(Mark 5:34, NLT).
To the paralytic, Christ says: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.†(Mark 2:5 NIV).
Christ calls them, “daughter†and “sonâ€; both of these titles indicative of an identity restored. He restores not only their health, but their dignity and purpose as well. To each of them, Christ restores relationship when He used familial terms. Both are made whole not only in their bodies, but in their minds and emotions, enabling them to re-enter society.
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.†For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.â€
(Romans 8:15-17a, NLT)
God calls each of us into relationship with Him. His desire is for a deep and intimate connection with us. He longs for us to live in freedom and to be all He created us to be. He restores identity, dignity, and purpose to each of our lives. Grab onto this truth today.
“There’s a comfort in death and in lifeKnowing that I belongTo the Savior who’s making me wholeBody and soul.”
(from Body And Soul, by Susan Ashton)
“Will our heavenly bodies include the ability to be so happy we could cry?” This is the question Lois Flowers is exploring in her post, “Will We Cry Tears of Joy in Heaven?” She hopes so, and so do I!
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I’d never noticed that connection – the calling to His son or daughter – to be healed or forgiven, and, like you said – so much more than physical healing and forgiving. It made me think, like the prodigal – welcomed home, to belonging! As I get older, I more understand being a child of God, the faith like a child – all in, all trusting, all relying on a Father who is so very worthy, trusting and reliable!
Maryleigh, yes, like the prodigal. You have pointed to another beautiful connection. God, our Father, is always wanting restoration and bids us to come home.
I am always stopped in my tracks by the way Jesus saw and connected with individuals. His ministry took him into the crowds, but he saw hearts!
He truly does, Michele, which encourages me to remember He sees our hearts as well 🙂
I love the way Jesus SAW people, Joanne. He didn’t just view their physical infirmity, He saw them as full human beings. His healing involved more than one aspect, how often He healed not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually!
Imagine what joy these two must have felt to be healed and restored into fellowship with God and people. Staggering!
I am always humbled (and amazed) by the truth that Jesus desires an intimate relationship with us….as sons and daughters!! Of course, I am so grateful!!:)
It’s heartening that He looks to our deepest need. He doesn’t just fix the problem and send people off, but He draws us to Himself.
I love this post Joanne! Thank you & bless you, Jennifer
I love that song by Susan Ashton. Oldie but a goodie!
I love Jesus’s restoring work!
I never noticed that Jesus called them “daughter†and “son,†Joanne. How healing that alone must have been for them , especially if their earthly families has rejected them due to their condition. Jesus really does meet our deepest needs. Thanks for sharing my post too. 😊)
Every time I read a story about Jesus, there’s another gem to glean. What a beautiful Savior.
This is so beautiful. I love how Jesus gives us our identity. How sad for society to think that it does. I’m so in awe when I think just how precious and loved we are by our Father the king of the universe.
#23&24
Hi Joanne,
I love the insight you’ve shared here. I’d never considered the loss of identity each of these individuals suffered, though these are two of my favorite stories. What a gift that He sees each of us!
Blessings,
Tammy
P.S. I love Susan Ashton’s music.