Pastor's Corner

By Paul Hathcoat - White River Christian Church

If we all can agree that God highlighted Jesus’ interactions with individuals living with disabilities in the Bible, then we can just as easily agree that this population is not only intentionally and wonderfully made, but also that they serve a specific purpose in helping us understand who God himself is. After all, the Bible was given to mankind so we can learn who God is and how He has interacted with us in history. In that history, there is an unusually high number of interactions that His son, Jesus Christ, had with people with disabilities. Let us review those and try to uncover who Jesus is through his reactions to the disability population.

In the book of John, we read about Jesus encountering a man who was likely paralyzed and “had been sick for 38 years” (John 5:5-8 NLT). Jesus heals him with only a few words. It happened to be on a Sunday and the religious men of that time became enraged that Jesus would perform miracles on the Sabbath. This act seems to have been done out of genuine love for another human, but also illustrates to unbelievers that caring for those in need around us is far more important than trying to adhere to a set of religious rules and social standards. God is revealing that to love our neighbor is synonymous with loving our God. Nothing is more important. Especially social decorum in the place of genuine supports.

In general, when coming across someone with a physical disability, Jesus responded in one way. He made it a point to cross cultural norms and social boundaries and genuinely connect with the disabled person (See John 9:1-12). In Jesus’ time, many people with physical disabilities were considered “unclean” and, therefore, were ignored and pushed into the shadows. By directly connecting with them, healing them, and making sure others were there to see, Jesus taught us a lot about what He and His Father value. They value each person as a full and whole member of the community. And the community itself, well they learned as we are still learning. When we fully look past someone’s disability and only see their potential and value as a part of our community, then both of us are healed. God sees right to our hearts and ignores the other parts of our being. We could all use a brush-up with that lesson of life.

As it pertains to people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, Jesus also had a message and standard when meeting them. Although he did have the ability to cast out demons, he also instructed those charged with the care and protection of them to pray and fast. Now, why would Jesus ask these caregivers to pray and fast in order to heal and help? Have you ever tried to pray and fast? Just maybe building the disciplines of prayer and fasting would enable you and I to see the disabilities in a new way and in turn, respond with love and care. There is no magic lens to see through, but taking the time to see past someone’s disability and into them as a person can fulfill what Jesus was asking His people to do. That effort doesn’t come easy at times for people and caregivers, but time and discipline can help all of us see things clearly. The power is in the transforming of one’s mind and seeing things as Jesus does.

Lastly, I feel compelled to discuss my own opinion and experience in the matter of Christ and His view of people living with disabilities. He sought them out. He didn’t

just use them or make an example of them. He intentionally drew attention to people with disabilities because they represent a stripped-down, maskless, completely, and totally authentic version of God’s people, and connected with them as equals. They needed Him like we all need Him, but they approached without the same level of contradiction and sin in their hearts. I don’t profess to know what it is like to live my life disabled. What I do know, though, is what I see in the good people and families I get to lock arms with in life, that do know. They most often are not concerned with anything other than the moment. They relish each interaction and are grateful for smiles and giggles. They are quick with the thank you and humble in receiving the same. They have been taught a version of life that Jesus would like us all to learn – slow down, be patient, be thankful, and know that God is waiting on you one day. Jesus knew what He was doing when He illuminated these people and God made sure that we got to read about their stories in His history book. Thank you, Lord, for your love for all people!

Author’s Notes – If you want to read more about the sources used in this letter each month, or hear about the disability ministries around you, feel free to contact Paul Hathcoat at the phone number or email below.

Scriptures referenced – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Paul Hathcoat Email: phathcoat@wrcc.org Ph #: 317-840-5558

Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat – phathcoat@wrcc.org.