Some people followed Jesus for years. Others crossed His path once. One conversation, one healing, one moment—and as far as Scripture tells us, Jesus never saw them again.
We’re being stingy with “once.” The woman at the well isn’t here because Jesus stayed in her city for two more days. Did He see her again? We don’t know, but He could have. The people on this list got one recorded encounter with Jesus. And for some of them, once was enough.
Royal Official
His son was dying in Capernaum. Jesus told him to go home because his son would live, and the man believed Him before he ever saw the proof.
John 4:46–54
Man at the Pool of Bethesda
He had been sick for thirty-eight years when Jesus found him beside the pool and told him to get up, pick up his pallet, and walk.
John 5:1–15
Widow of Nain
Jesus met her during her only son’s funeral procession. He had compassion on her, touched the coffin, and raised her son from the dead.
Luke 7:11–17
The Man Called “Legion” and the Pigs
He lived among the tombs, uncontrollable and tormented by demons. Jesus freed him and sent him home to tell people what the Lord had done for him.
Mark 5:1–20
Woman with Bleeding Disorder Touches the Hem of His Garment
After twelve years of suffering, she touched Jesus’ clothing believing she would be healed. Jesus stopped, found her in the crowd, and told her that her faith had made her well.
Mark 5:25–34
Woman of Demon-Possessed Daughter
She begged Jesus to free her daughter from a demon and refused to be discouraged by His challenging response. Jesus praised her faith, and her daughter was healed.
Matthew 15:21–28; Mark 7:24–30
Deaf Man Healed With Spit
People brought him to Jesus asking for healing. Jesus took him aside privately, touched his ears and tongue, and restored his hearing and speech.
Mark 7:31–37
Blind Man Healed With Spit at Bethsaida
Jesus led him outside the village and healed his sight in two stages. Then He sent him home with instructions not to return to the village.
Mark 8:22–26
Father of the Demon-Possessed Boy
Desperate for help after the disciples could not heal his son, he cried out to Jesus, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus delivered the boy.
Mark 9:14–29
Rich Young Ruler
He asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him, he walked away grieving.
Matthew 19:16–22; Mark 10:17–22; Luke 18:18–23
Bartimaeus, the Blind Man at Jericho
The blind beggar shouted for Jesus despite people telling him to be quiet. Jesus called him over, restored his sight, and Bartimaeus followed Him on the road.
Mark 10:46–52
Malchus, Slave of the High Priest
He came to arrest Jesus and had his right ear cut off by Peter. Jesus healed the ear of the man who had come to take Him away.
Luke 22:50–51; John 18:10
Thief on the Cross
While dying beside Jesus, he defended Him and asked to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. Jesus promised him paradise that very day.
Was he really a thief, though? There’s a little more to that story.
Matthew 27:38–44; Mark 15:27–32; Luke 23:32–43