Scripture: The Bible and Disabilities

The Bible refers to our wholeness and humanness in both Old and New Testaments.
We are made in God’s image. Jesus includes all people in his ministry, including those with disabilities.
Paul recognizes diversity and unity in the Body of Christ (UM Discipleship Ministries).

When using these verses during disability awareness worship, activities, or studies:

• Compare the culture and language of the day with today.

• Note that archaic language can be hurtful.

• Remember: miracles of healing do not always mean “cure.”

Unless noted, verses are from the New Revised Standard Version.

Old Testament Readings

• Genesis 1:26–27 – Creation: all humankind is made in God’s image.

• Exodus 4:10–17 – Moses’ speech disability and God’s response.

• Leviticus 19:14 – Command not to revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind.

• 2 Samuel 9 – David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, who had disabilities.

• Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Discipleship Ministries resource

New Testament Readings

Healing and Wholeness

Healing is not just medical cure but restoration to community and wholeness.

• Matthew 15:29–31 – Jesus cures many.

• Matthew 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39 – Exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac; restored to community.

• Luke 5:18; Mark 2:1–12 – Healing of a paralytic, through friends’ faith.

• Luke 14:12–24 – Banquet parable: inclusion of the poor and disabled.

• Luke 8:43–48 – Woman healed; faith = salvation/wholeness.

• John 9:2–5 – Jesus rejects link between sin and disability.

Community and Gifts

• Romans 12:1–8 – Many members, one body; diverse gifts.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – Body as temple of the Holy Spirit.

• 1 Corinthians 12:14–27 – Allegory of one body with many members.

• 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 – Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”; God’s grace sufficient.

• James 1:2–4, 22–27 – Faith and action, blessings for doers.

📄 Updated: March 26, 2024