What Old Testament miracles parallel the healing in John 5:8? Launching from John 5:8 “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.’” A word from the Lord instantly reverses thirty-eight years of paralysis. The Old Testament offers several events that echo the same themes of divine authority, instant restoration, and obedience-linked healing. Instant Restorations of Disabled Limbs • 1 Kings 13:4-6 – King Jeroboam’s withered hand – The king’s hand “dried up, so that he could not pull it back.” – At the prophet’s prayer “the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it was before.” (v. 6) – Like John 5, a crippled limb is instantly made whole at God’s word. • 2 Kings 13:21 – The man who touched Elisha’s bones – A dead body is hastily thrown into Elisha’s grave; “when the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet.” – Paralysis of death itself is broken; the man rises and stands, paralleling Jesus’ command to “get up.” Healings Tied to a Simple Act of Obedience • Numbers 21:8-9 – The bronze serpent – The people are dying from snakebites. God says, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” – Life hinges on a single, trusting action—just as the paralytic’s healing hinges on obeying “Get up.” • 2 Kings 5:10-14 – Naaman the leper – Elisha orders, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times.” (v. 10) – When Naaman finally submits, “his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child.” (v. 14) – Both miracles show that healing follows humble obedience to a seemingly simple command. Rising from the Ground • 2 Kings 4:32-37 – The Shunammite’s son – After Elisha’s prayer and contact, “the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.” (v. 35) – Elisha tells the mother, “Pick up your son.” (v. 36) She literally lifts her once-lifeless child, mirroring Jesus instructing the paralytic to take up his mat. Shared Themes to Notice • God’s authority over the human body—whether a withered hand, leprous skin, snake-bitten flesh, or total paralysis. • A clear command requiring a responsive act of faith. • Immediate, observable results that leave no doubt who holds healing power. • A witness to surrounding onlookers, leading to awe, repentance, or even political change (Jeroboam’s humbled plea; Naaman’s confession in 2 Kings 5:15). Why These Parallels Matter • They underscore that Jesus operates in the same divine power revealed throughout Scripture, affirming His identity (John 5:17-19). • They demonstrate that God delights to reverse hopeless situations when faith responds to His word. • They remind believers today that the Lord who once said “Get up” still speaks with unmatched authority and compassion. |
    |