“Jesus Heals the Sick,” Friend, May 2011, 10–11
Stories of Jesus
Jesus Heals the Sick
From Mark 1:29–45; 2:1–12; 5:24–34; and Luke 17:12–19.
Jesus and His disciples walked on dusty roads from village to village, where Jesus taught the gospel. When they reached Capernaum, they went to stay for the night at the home of Peter and his brother Andrew.
Peter’s wife greeted them with sad news. Her mother was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus went to the sick woman. He took her by the hand and lifted her up. Immediately the fever was gone and she was well.
People in Capernaum soon heard about the miracle and found out where Jesus was staying that night. By the time the sun went down, it looked like the whole city was gathered at the door of Peter and Andrew’s house. That night Jesus healed many sick people.
Early the next morning Jesus left the house to find a quiet place to pray. Then He left with His disciples to preach in other towns. Days later when Jesus came back to Capernaum, curious crowds followed Him everywhere. Many people knew Jesus made sick people well with the power of God.
One man was paralyzed and could not move his arms and legs. He could not go anywhere unless four friends carried him on a small bed. The four friends decided to take the paralyzed man to see Jesus.
When they got to the house where Jesus was teaching, it was filled with people. There was not even room to squeeze in the doorway. The men had faith that Jesus could heal their friend if only Jesus could see him. How could they get in?
They carried their friend up to the flat roof on top of the house. Then they took part of the roof off! They lowered their friend on his bed down into the room where Jesus was teaching.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man who could not walk, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way” (Mark 2:11). Immediately the man stood up, picked up his bed, and left. The people were amazed and gave glory to God.
Many times as Jesus entered villages, cities, or the countryside, crowds of people came to Him. They carried beds and brought their sick so that Jesus could make them well. Many times Jesus made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the crippled walk. When people saw Jesus heal the sick, their faith grew, and they knew He was the Christ.
The Palsied Man Let Down through the Roof, and detail from Healing of the Lepers at Capernaum, by James Tissot © Brooklyn Museum of Art – do not copy. Thy Faith, © Judith Mehr – do not copy.