How many blind people have you healed?

When I read Jesus’ words that that His disciples would do greater things than He did (John 14:12), I feel a little overwhelmed with the thought I am to heal the blind, deaf and the lame, and raise people from the dead. And since I don’ see a lot of this happening from even the most godly people I know, I think I have to re-think the meaning of Jesus’ words.

The moment Adam and Eve sinned they died—not physically, but spiritually. And the moment Adam and Eve sinned their “eyes were opened” to Satan and they lost sight of God. Moreover, Adam and Eve were deaf to God. And worse, they were held captive by Satan to do his will. In Isaiah 61 we read that Jesus would come to set the prisoners free. Isn't that the greatest work Jesus has left us to do?

As you teach the truth about Jesus (Eph. 4:24), eyes are opened; people begin to see God. The ears of those formerly deaf to God’s words will be opened. The lame will be enabled to walk with God. Through your testimony and teaching, those formerly dead in sin will be raised from the dead! And this is also true as you teach your weaker siblings in Christ. They will be able to see spiritual realities, hear the Lord clearly, and walk without stumbling.

Is it possible this is the greater thing Jesus spoke of? Now I am not saying God does not heal physical infirmities. But if we only interpret Jesus' words in this way, we fail to see the greater thing Jesus said we would do. What is greater? That someone’s physical sight be restored or that their eyes be opened to Jesus, and their soul saved! Don't you get excited when a brother you have been ministering to for months, 'suddenly' hears you and sees what you have been trying to tell him? I think you could say the Holy Spirit used you to heal a blind person!