What other biblical examples show individuals wanting to follow Jesus after healing? Setting the Scene: Mark 5:18—Healing That Sparks a Hunger to Follow “As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by the demons begged to go with Him.” One dramatic deliverance, one heartfelt plea: “Let me stay with You, Jesus.” That cry rings again and again through the Gospels. Below are several moments where healed people respond just as earnestly. Blind Bartimaeus—Instant Sight, Immediate Discipleship • Jesus says, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Sight floods in, but Bartimaeus does the opposite of “go.” • “Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” • Luke adds that Bartimaeus “followed Jesus, glorifying God,” and the crowd joins the praise. • The gift of sight turns into the gift of companionship—he simply will not walk any other road now. Mary Magdalene and the Women—From Deliverance to Daily Service • Seven demons expelled from Mary Magdalene; other women healed of “evil spirits and infirmities.” • They “were ministering to them out of their own means.” Healing led to practical, ongoing support. • At the cross and the tomb, these same women remain. Their discipleship outlasts hardship, distance, even apparent defeat. The Cleansed Samaritan Leper—Gratitude That Runs Back to Jesus • One of ten lepers, he alone “came back, praising God in a loud voice. He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving.” • Though Jesus sends the ten to the priests, gratitude draws this man straight to the Healer Himself. • His worship and proximity show a heart that chooses Jesus over mere ritual clearance. The Man Born Blind—New Vision, New Allegiance • After interrogation by religious leaders, the once-blind man meets Jesus again. • “‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped Him.” The Greek verb signals reverent homage—he identifies Jesus as worthy of devotion, not just thanks. • Having gained physical sight, he now fixes spiritual eyes on the Messiah, refusing to be silenced or distanced. Shared Threads—What Healing Awakens • Recognition: Each person sees Jesus not merely as miracle-worker but as Lord worth following. • Response: Their first instinct is movement toward Jesus—following on the road, standing at the cross, falling at His feet, worshiping openly. • Revelation: Physical or spiritual healing becomes a window into Jesus’ identity, igniting faith that endures beyond the initial miracle. Walking It Out Today The pattern is plain: when Jesus restores, He invites relationship. The healed in Scripture show us that true wholeness naturally overflows into obedient, joy-filled following—eyes fixed on the One who made us new. |
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