A quick look through the encounters that Jesus had with disabled or sick people shows us that a large majority of them were male. The focus is often on the man lowered through the roof, or Bartimaeus, or one of the men with leprosy that came to Jesus, but there were some women and girls that Jesus healed too; this blog acknowledges them and their stories as we learn together through these encounters.
Perhaps we can still sometimes use the liturgy, or the old Bible translation, while providing those who find it inaccessible with options including printed copies in a more contemporary and accessible language, or a version using symbols as well as text to help with understanding. We could have slides to accompany the sermon sent to people in advance, so they can follow them on their tablets or phones when perhaps, occasionally, the sermon is just spoken word alone. And that sensory space can still be a place of quiet contemplation and reflection at times too. The two uses can be scheduled appropriately; they don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Does the Bible have anything to say about James? Actually, I think it does... let’s have a look together.
Jesus’ distance healings collectively reveal that His power is governed by authority and faith rather than physical proximity. These accounts teach that intercessory prayer knows no boundaries, true faith often requires obedience before evidence, and Christ’s mercy intentionally extends to outsiders and marginalised groups. Ultimately, these distance miracles serve as a template for us today proving that Jesus’ Word remains as effective today through the Holy Spirit as it was when He stood miles away from those He healed.
When I was asked to review the new First Capital Films release ‘Learning You’, the story of an Autistic young person (Elijah) and his Dad (Ty), I thought it would be easy. You see, I’m Dad to an Autistic son myself, so I though “Hey, this will be a breeze”... It turns out that I was wrong; ‘Learning You’ isn’t just a story about somebody else, it was a story that spoke to me about my own story, and my sons story too, and took us all on a road trip. As I watched this film, I saw so much of my son James in Elijah, and so much of myself in Ty, through the storm, through the tears, through it all. So, buckle up, have a look at the review I wrote, be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster, and if you can, watch ‘Learning You’ and learn from it through the tears... My review has got a few key questions for you to consider too...
And there is so much more that Jesus teaches us through these encounters and all of his ministry on Earth. The Gospels are rich with these learnings, if only we look for them. Explore them more, read them as if for the first time and see what God reveals to you through them.
James did really well, in part because we had listened to him and recognised and respected his wishes. He felt heard. He felt cared for and loved. And he was filled with joy.
Do you know someone, whether a child/young person or adult, who is blind or partially sighted? How could you help them to encounter Jesus, grow in their Christian faith and thrive in Christian community?
Jesus noticed her: Disabled people can often become ‘anonymous’, ‘ignored’, ‘overlooked’, maybe even ‘invisible’. I wonder how many other people saw her and looked away, hoping they didn’t catch her eye. Jesus didn’t, Jesus noticed her. Do we sometimes ignore a disabled person in our community, avoiding their look?
It is quite possible that this woman’s daughter also has Epilepsy, which without any treatment at the time would have been terrifying and for the child could lead to physical injury, mental disability, and possibly death.
Delightful Handmade Dog Products and Gifts
An additional needs Dad and Son baking adventure...
Special Education Teaching Resources, Sensory Stories and SEND Information
