Jesus Heals

The exact number of people that Jesus healed throughout his ministry is unknown. The Bible explains that more ministry moments took place than was recorded. However, of the 42 miracles detailed in the Gospels, 37 of them involved healing people. Jesus healed the blind, lame, and raised people from the dead. Most Christians today can wrap their hearts and minds around the concept that Jesus’ mission is meant to be our mission. Jesus healed, so therefore, we are called to heal. That’s why, today, nearly 20% of U.S. hospitals have a religious affiliation. Even more hospitals can trace their history back to a religious startup. This is an encouraging legacy that faith-filled people continue to leave behind!

While Jesus casts a vision for us, seldom does the Bible spend time in the weeds, outlining the essential questions that surround how this mission of healing is to be accomplished. Namely, who pays for it? Wouldn’t it be odd if after Jesus healed someone, he asked “will this be cash or credit?” Don’t get me wrong, I understand that scientific advancement is expensive. If you ask me, scientists, physicians, and nurses are worth every penny. Divine intervention today might take a lot longer than it took Jesus, but God is certainly still present in the healing work that takes place in hospitals every day.

I recently heard an elected official ask, “should taxpayers cover the medical bill of an uninsured able-bodied 28-year-old that isn’t working?” The thing is… our opinion on that question is irrelevant. Why? Because as a society, we are paying for that person whether we like it or not. Most hospitals do some limited pro bono work, but their charity is not bottomless. Taxpayers will eventually pick up the tab for uninsured people. The only decision to be made is when that happens. Do we wait until the 28-year-old is rushed to the Emergency Room, where the bills are much more expensive. Or do we pay for the upstream medial services, where that person is able to visit with a doctor. At that point, the medical issue is usually more manageable, sometimes even avoidable.

Unfortunately, Jesus leaves far more questions unanswered. For instance, should we force people into the labor market to access health care? Should we force employers to provide health benefits? Should we force private insurance companies to take a loss on expensive people? Jesus addresses none of this. All we get from Jesus is the call to heal and help people.

As an aside, I can refer to people as “expensive” because I am one of them. Having Cystic Fibrosis, I thank strangers every day for chipping in and helping with my medical bills. The ELCA clergy use Portico Benefit Services, which covers nearly half a million dollars for my annual medications alone. Lamb of God Church helps as well, giving nearly $10,000 to Portico. Without the ELCA clergy from around the country, and without Lamb of God parishioners, then I could not survive. This inspires me to live with constant gratitude. People, most of whom I have never met, pitch in and lend a helping hand. This is how community works!

Jesus didn’t address any specifics on these issues; he only modeled what compassion ought to look like. The topic that Jesus spoke about most was money, yet we never hear how he made a living. A lot of people mistakenly assume he was a carpenter, but that was Joseph. Based on what’s in the Bible, Jesus never bought anything. The Bible expresses a vision of God’s Kingdom. Unfortunately, it’s not a step-by-step “how-to” manual.

My hope in sharing these societal dilemmas is that we can begin to see just how interwoven our faith is in everyday life. Our commitment to follow Christ has impact on nearly every facet of our community. We Worship on Sunday, we learn about Jesus, we enjoy togetherness, so that we can truly live Monday through Saturday. We are meant to share God’s vision with the world in all areas of life.

I don’t have the answers. All I know is that we are called to serve one another. The best path to help our neighbors is not always easily discernable. With loving hearts, we place our trust in the Lord. We pray that God is working throughout our conversations. We know that God is alive through the power of healing. It is my daily prayer that God’s will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven.

Stay healthy,

Pastor Lucas McSurley

Photo by Marcelo Leal