317 Jesus Healing the Nephites

3 Nephi 17:110
And it came to pass that ... all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him. 3 Nephi 17:9

The first day the Savior was among the Nephites, He taught them many things. As Jesus looked at them, He could tell they did not understand all of His teachings. So He told them to go home and think about His words. He told them to pray to Heavenly Father for understanding and to prepare their minds to receive more teachings. He then promised He would return the next day and teach them again. (See 3 Nephi 17:13.)

The people did not want Jesus to leave them. Tears filled their eyes as they looked longingly at Him. They wanted to ask Him to stay. Jesus knew what they were thinking, and He wanted to help them. (See 3 Nephi 17:56.)

He asked, "Have ye any that are sick among you? ... Bring them hither and I will heal them" (3 Nephi 17:7). Jesus could tell that the Nephites had enough faith to be healed (see 3 Nephi 17:8).

The multitude brought their sick to Jesus—the lame and crippled, the blind, the deaf, the dumb, the lepers, those who had all kinds of illnesses. Jesus lovingly healed every one as they were brought to Him. (See 3 Nephi 17:9.)

All the people Jesus healed and all who were well knelt down at Jesus' feet and worshiped Him. Those who could get close enough kissed His feet and bathed them with their tears. (See 3 Nephi 17:10.)

Summary

At the end of His first day with the Nephites, Jesus could see that the people wanted Him to stay. Feeling compassion for them and knowing they had great faith, He asked them to bring their sick or suffering and He would heal them. The people came forward with all who were sick, lame, blind, deaf, or afflicted in some other manner. Jesus lovingly healed each one. All who were healed and those who were well bowed down together to worship the Savior. As many as could reach Him bathed His feet with their tears.

Artist, Ted Henninger

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA