Why does Jesus ask people if they want to be healed even though He already knows their struggles?
As Catholics, we often reflect on the miraculous healings performed by Jesus during His earthly ministry. One aspect of these accounts that may puzzle us is why Jesus, being all-knowing, would ask individuals if they want to be healed. Didn’t He already know their struggles and desires? In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of Jesus’ questions and uncover the profound spiritual truths behind them.
Faith and Free Will
The first reason Jesus asks if people want to be healed is to emphasize the importance of faith and free will. By inquiring about their desire for healing, Jesus involves the individual in the healing process, ensuring that they are willing participants. This collaboration between Jesus and the person seeking healing highlights the necessity of faith in the healing process. Jesus’ question prompts the individual to express their faith, demonstrating that they believe in His power to heal.
For example, when Jesus asked the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6), He was not seeking information but rather an affirmation of the man’s faith. The man’s response, though seemingly unnecessary, revealed his desire for healing and his recognition of Jesus as the Healer.
Acknowledging the Root Cause
Another reason Jesus asks this question is to acknowledge the root cause of the person’s suffering. Often, physical afflictions are symptoms of deeper spiritual or emotional issues. By asking if they want to be healed, Jesus addresses the underlying problems, inviting the individual to confront and surrender them.
The case of the blind beggar Bartimaeus illustrates this. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). Bartimaeus’ response, “Master, I want to see,” revealed his recognition of his spiritual blindness as much as his physical blindness. Jesus’ question helped Bartimaeus articulate his desire for wholeness, which encompassed both physical and spiritual healing.
Expressing Humility and Mercy
Jesus’ questions also demonstrate His humility and mercy. Despite being the Son of God, He does not impose His will on others. Instead, He respects the individual’s autonomy, offering healing as a gift rather than a dictate.
When Jesus asked the centurion, “Do you want me to come and heal your servant?” (Luke 7:7), He was not seeking permission but rather expressing His willingness to serve. This humility underscores the nature of God’s love: He desires our well-being, but He will not force it upon us.
A Lesson for Us Today
The questions Jesus asks in the healing accounts offer valuable lessons for our own spiritual journeys. When we bring our struggles to God, we must acknowledge our desire for healing and express our faith in His power. We must also recognize the root causes of our suffering and surrender them to God’s mercy.
In prayer, we can echo the psalmist’s words: “Heal me, Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved” (Jeremiah 17:14). By doing so, we participate in the healing process, acknowledging our need for God’s grace and mercy.
Conclusion
Jesus’ questions to those seeking healing remind us that faith, free will, and humility are essential components of the healing process. As we reflect on these accounts, we are invited to examine our own relationship with God, recognizing that true healing encompasses both body and soul. May we, like those who encountered Jesus, respond with faith and humility, allowing Him to work His healing power in our lives.