What other biblical examples show persistence in seeking Jesus for healing? Setting the Scene: Luke 5:18 and a Rooftop of Faith “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to lay him before Jesus.” (Luke 5:18) • Their friend could not move, the house was packed, yet they would not turn back. • They climbed the roof, tore it open, lowered him—persistence on full display. • Jesus “saw their faith” (v. 20) and healed the man, showing that determined faith gets His attention. Pressing Through the Crowd: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Luke 8:43-48) “[She] had suffered from bleeding for twelve years… came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” (vv. 43-44) Obstacles faced • Twelve long, disappointing years of doctors. • Ceremonial uncleanness kept her isolated. • A crushing crowd around Jesus (v. 42). Acts of persistence • She kept saying to herself, “If I only touch His cloak” (Matthew 9:21). • Reached through the bodies, touched just the tassel. Jesus’ response • “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48) Refusing to Stay Silent: Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) “Many… admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (v. 48) • Others tried to hush him; he only increased his volume. • When Jesus called, he threw off his cloak—leaving behind his begging permit—and ran. • His unrelenting cry led to opened eyes and the privilege of following Jesus down the road (v. 52). Pleading for Her Child: The Canaanite Mother (Matthew 15:21-28) • She crosses borders into Gentile hostility just to reach Jesus (v. 22). • Jesus gives no answer; the disciples urge dismissal. • She kneels, persists through a testing conversation, and even embraces the “crumbs.” Result: “O woman, your faith is great! Your request is granted.” (v. 28) Her daughter is instantly freed. From Doubt to Determination: The Desperate Father (Mark 9:17-29) • Confronted by an unrelenting demon destroying his son. • Disciples could not help (v. 18). • Still he pushes through the crowd again, begging, “If You can do anything…” (v. 22). • Jesus challenges his doubt; the father cries, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (v. 24). • The boy is healed, and the father’s shaky faith becomes steadfast. Humble Intercession: The Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10) • A Gentile officer approaches, pleading for a servant. • Cultural gaps, military dignity, and distance could have stopped him, yet he insists. • Confesses unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home, but believes a word is enough. • Jesus marvels, “I have not found such great faith even in Israel!” (Luke 7:9) and heals from afar. Lessons We Can Carry Home • Persistence ignores barriers—be they crowds, silence, culture, or doubt. • Each story links persistence with faith; determination is simply faith in motion. • Jesus never rebukes sincere seekers for being too bold; He welcomes faith that will not quit. • Physical healing often intertwines with deeper restoration: forgiveness (Luke 5), peace (Luke 8), salvation (Mark 10). • These accounts assure us that drawing near to Jesus with unwavering resolve still meets His compassionate power today. |
    |