The Prompt: Write a short story regarding a person whom Jesus healed. What happened to him after the healing?
Once there was a middle-aged man who lived on the outskirts of town. He liked to keep to himself, mainly due to his injury. He didn't like to think about it much because it reminded him of his foolish past. About ten years, he had been hanging out with rebellious Israelites who wanted to break away from the Roman rule. He had never done anything rebellious himself, like some of his friends had, but he still believed in their cause and appeared to support them with his faithful presence. Then, his friends started a riot with a few Roman soldiers. There was a fierce struggle, and even the man threw a few punches at them. However, his friends drew weapons on the soldiers, who in turn drew theirs. There was more struggling, and then- The man rubbed his left shoulder, feeling the round nub. He had been able to adjust fairly well with only one arm, but he was reminded of his past every day.
That afternoon, the man was supposed to go to market to sell some of his goods. So, he packed up his donkey and traveled for a couple hours, getting there at the peak of the customers. There was an unusually large crowd gathered that day. After asking one of his fellow vendors nearby, he found out Jesus was in town. Jesus. The man had heard a great deal about that person. He was an intelligent, compassionate man, unlike anybody any person had ever met. He heard how people's lives had been transformed in one way or another. He had heard of healings too. The man thought often about Jesus healing him, but he always pushed the thought aside. He didn't deserve to be healed by Jesus.
Still, something drew him to the idea, and he could not push it away. No one was buying anything from him today anyways. So, the man packed up his things and went off to find Jesus. That was an easier task than he thought; all he had to do was follow the crowd. People all around him shouted different things to Jesus, praising the man or begging to be healed. The man was excited by their attitudes, and the closer he got, the more he could feel like he was doing the right thing.
When he caught sight of the teacher, he opened his voice and called hoarsely, "Jesus!"
Jesus looked towards him, but it appeared he couldn't make out exactly where the voice had come from.
The man tried again, in a more assertive voice this time. "Jesus!"
Jesus looked directly at him this time and, after excusing Himself, made His way through the crowd. He stood in front of the man, waiting for him to speak, but He looked kind and patient, as if He could wait for him for hours.
"Jesus, I know I'm not worthy to ask this of you, but I wanted to try. I ask for mercy, that you will heal me." He nudged his shoulder towards the Messiah.
"My son, your sins were already forgiven ten years ago. You need to forgive yourself." And with that, Jesus gave him a hug, unlike any the man had ever had in his life. When He pulled away, the man found his arm was restored.
"Your faith has made you well. Go in peace, my son."
The man was speechless, tears welling in his eyes. He mouthed, "Thank you," and Jesus simply smiled at him and walked away.
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