“He Did Heal Them Every One” – 3 Nephi 17:9

After telling the people at the temple in Bountiful that it was time for Him to go, Jesus “cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them” (3 Nephi 17:5).

In response to their unspoken plea, He invited them to bring the sick and afflicted to Him to be healed. In extending this invitation, He listed a number of illnesses or disabilities:

Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

3 Nephi 17:7, italics added

In response, the people brought forward their loved ones who needed healing, “and he did heal them every one as they were brought forward unto him” (3 Nephi 17:9).

As President Dallin H. Oaks has pointed out, the phrase “afflicted in any manner” can be interpreted broadly. The people who were healed may have had any number of physical, emotional, or mental infirmities. The Savior “did heal them every one” (“He Heals the Heavy Laden,” General Conference, October 2006).

Elder Robert C. Gay indicated that the Savior is also willing to heal spiritual infirmities: “Can you imagine Him turning away from someone with doubts about their place in God’s kingdom or from anyone afflicted in any manner? I cannot. In the eyes of Christ, each soul is of infinite worth” (“Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ,” General Conference, October 2018).

And Elder Patrick Kearon testified that the Savior’s invitation applies to us today:

The invitation given to the Nephites, when He ministered to them as the resurrected Christ, is still in force for you and for me: “Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them.”

“Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You,” General Conference, October 2010

Today, I will remember that the Savior can heal all afflictions and that He will not turn anyone away. I will turn to Him and invite others to turn to Him, knowing that He can heal us all of whatever afflictions we may bear.