Pain frequently initiates or refreshes our devotion to and reliance upon Christ. Sometimes pain leads to repentance. Jesus did not come to heal us of COVID-19 or cancer but of sin, which will drag us away from God eternally.
Jesus asked, “which is easier, to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say ‘Rise and walk’?” (Matthew 8:5-6). The crowd wanted Christ’s healing power but not the healer. They did not realize that they were all sick and in need of a Savior for their sin. Jesus used this opportunity to make an audacious point about who He is and why He came: To bring about better healing. He also demonstrated the mercy and love which continue to attract so many people to Him today, and which Christians seek to emulate.
When Jesus’ disciples employed the gift of spiritual healing in His name, they followed His example. “In Matthew 25, Jesus reveals that those who truly know him serve others in very real ways,” which can include offering food and water or healing sickness. “Meeting the basic physical needs of people often ministers more than words and ultimately gives you a kind of integrity that can lead to a deeper conversation.” Sometimes, relieving immediate suffering is a gateway to gospel discussion to the ultimate healing.