I have an incredible story to tell, and it makes me weep whenever asked to share it.
My name is irrelevant, as I am about to share about the others I’ve known.
There are countless of us who have stories about how Jesus changed our lives.
I was the man who laid by the Bethesda Pool for more years than I want to remember. Stricken and unable to walk, I had given up hope until the Master visited the pool and had pity on me. I remember as if it was yesterday when He said, “Wilt thou be whole?”
Unable to enter the pool, I waited.
When He said, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk,” I felt strength enter my body. Moments later, I was standing face-to-face with Him. I was healed! After thirtyeight years of pain and suffering!
I watched as Jesus and his followers walked away. When the leaders questioned me about what had happened, they didn’t want to believe it, but I was there as living proof. After much soulsearching. I had to know more about him. I became a follower. I never became one of his inner circle. I was always on the outskirts watching.
I remember when he spoke to me later about my sin. He admonished me to stop, and I did.
I was there when he cleansed the ten lepers. As the disease left their bodies, I began to tremble. Was there nothing this man couldn’t do? Leprosy was the most dreaded disease anyone could have. Some joined me, and I shared what Jesus had done for me.
I was there when Jairus approached Jesus about his daughter. He was one of the synagogue leaders and was distraught because his daughter was near death. Jesus followed him, and as they went through a large crowd, he stopped and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” For He sensed power had left His body.
A woman came forth and fell at His feet, trembling with fear. Jesus glanced down and spoke, “Daughter. Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
While Jesus was still speaking, people came to Jairus and told him, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?”
I could barely hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” I could hear the wailing as we drew near Jairus’s home. Jesus took the father, mother, and the disciples where the girl was. A few moments later, the girl came running out the door with a morsel of bread. I heard later that Jesus had taken her by the hand, and her spirit returned to her body.
Glancing around me, I saw the woman who had touched his garments. She was trembling with excitement. Approaching her, she told me she had been ill for many years with an issue of blood. Now, she was whole.
Jesus asked that we keep what had happened a secret. But how do you keep something like this secret? This was beneficial to everyone. It was impossible not to tell someone what Jesus did for you.
As His reputation grew, His followers became numerous. Everyone had a story to tell. There were many more that He touched whose stories haven’t been told; it would fill many books. He always gravitated towards the poor, crippled, and sick. It was there where His ministry flourished.
There were countless of us at His trial. We knew what was about to happen and had to be there out of respect and honor. It was the least we could do for the Master. All of us knew there was something special about Him. His resurrection revealed that to us. In our hearts, we knew Jesus was the Messiah, the living God, and most of all, He was our Healer.
For the rest of my life, I witnessed what Jesus did for me, and I am honored to have done so. It was the least that I could do. So many have followed my example and have done the same. I am proud to say I was one of the Countless. He is my King, and I honored Him until the day I died.
The Countless's ranks continue to grow as He continues to heal. And because of it, all glory and honor is due Him. Praise His name!
The Bible does not tell us what happened to the people Jesus ministered to. I like to think it might have happened this way.