In the Gospel passage, LUKE 18:35-43, we see Jesus’ mercy toward the blind man as a hallmark of his ministry. But does God heal everyone? And if not why? This is a question I have asked, and many others who read this blog, watch my YouTube Channel and listen to my podcast have asked me over the past 10 years, and many have asked, throughout time. If you are struggling with this question, this reflection may give you an insight into God’s plan.

Below is the story of Jesus healing the blind man.

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar Near Jericho (LUKE 18:35-43)

As he [Jesus} approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When the blind man heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who were in front sternly ordered the blind man to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and ordered the blind man to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said, “Lord, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” Immediately the blind man regained his sight and followed Jesus, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Jesus comes as healer, savior, inaugurator of the kingdom. He is the embodiment of hope. Jesus wanted to connect human suffering to the very source of life and health. The energy of God pours through Jesus to the needy.

Now back to the question, why doesn’t Jesus simply cure everyone, then? The answer is obviously wrapped up in the mystery of God’s will, but the important point is this: Jesus is healer in many senses, but ultimately in the sense that he heals us from sin and death, not only physical maladies. What appears historically in Jesus is an eschatological anticipation, a hint and foreshadowing of what is coming in God’s time and in God’s way.

In watching The Chosen TV series, this question of why Jesus doesn’t heal everyone is driven home in several instances, and many of the followers of Jesus are baffled, personally hurt, and in some cases quite furious when Jesus heals one person and not the other. Apostle Little James has a physical malady, a problem with his leg or back which makes walking, sleeping or really doing anything, very painful and challenging. The Apostles see Jesus heal many people, yet one of their own, Little James, continues to suffer his own physical injury.

In at least two instances in the New Testament, Jesus raises a dead person back to life. Jarius’ daughter is raised from the dead. And then Lazarus. Yet, why these and not others. Why in some cases, total strangers are healed, yet those closest to Jesus, his Apostles, like Little James is not healed. In The Chosen, the actors and direction of the series beautifully illustrates these very human questions: and understandably the very human emotions of anger, disappointment, resentment, and confusion, seen on the faces of the Apostles who see Jesus do many great works, many great miracles, yet allows so much suffering and struggles to continue.

Just as the Apostles and the followers of Jesus in His time asked these questions, so do we. And it’s a valid question for believers and nonbelievers alike. Many do not believe in God for the very reason that why would a loving God allow such suffering both of sinners and especially saints.

The short, perhaps an inadequate or at best an unpleasant answer to hear is as follows:

1. God’s will, His purpose, His ways are not our ways. Judas, as well as many of the Jewish leaders, and people in the days of Jesus, were looking for a different type of Messiah. One that would deliver them, God’s people of Israel, from their oppressors, as in the political sense. God was doing a more complete work. God was freeing the Israelites and all of humanity from Sin, the true threat and oppressor. God was fulfilling His covenant with His chosen people and also by spirit of adoption, allowing all of us into the salvation club.
2. God looks at the long-term goal of His plan. Our salvation, our good and eternity with Him in heaven. Maybe God asks, “What is it going to take for us to get there?” God may know the answer to this for each of us, and we may wish to avoid and evade this essential question ourselves. But God knows us better than we know ourselves. Sometimes, most of the time, if not always, we may only truly be perfected in God’s love, in our relationship with God, in our trust and total surrender to God, by suffering many things. Not as punishment, but for our ultimate good.
3. Yes. Jesus suffered on the cross and died for our sins, but our response, our choice to accept this gift is what we are talking about. And living out this response of truly saying “yes” to Jesus, is a daily choice and struggle. One that takes us a lifetime to work out — our salvation.

For all these reasons, as much as we don’t like this answer, and must accept that God must have a very good reason to NOT heal us completely this side of heaven. But if we stay faithful until the end, and arrive at the prize of heaven, we will be healed, totally healed.

It’s a matter of choice. Our choice. If we choose Jesus and are faithful to Him, His word, and our calling in life, then we will indeed, all of us, get totally healed.

It’s a matter of choice, our choice and God’s timing. What will you choose?

Leave a comment below about how you understand or deal with waiting on God to heal you in this life, or the next. How do you choose to follow Jesus everyday even when it’s tough or hard to understand? This is a safe place to share your thoughts, insights and your Christian journey.

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