James Talarico Uses Jesus’ Healing Ministry to Make Case for Healthcare Reform

Jesus healed the sick. But does that mean His ministry can be used to support a government healthcare agenda?

Texas state Rep. James Talarico is bringing that question into the political arena as the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate joins billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban in pushing a plan to dismantle powerful forces in America’s healthcare industry.

And Talarico isn’t merely making an economic argument. He’s making a theological one.

According to The Christian Post, Talarico made the case during an Aug. 29 live podcast discussion in Fort Worth, Texas, alongside Cuban and Fox News host Jessica Tarlov. While explaining why he believes Americans have a responsibility to address healthcare, Talarico pointed directly to Christ’s earthly ministry.

“If you go back and read the New Testament — even if you’re not a Christian, even if you’re not religious — go back and see what Jesus spends most of His time doing,” Talarico said. “It’s not preaching, it’s not teaching; it’s healing. It’s healing.”

The Presbyterian seminary student argued that ensuring neighbors receive necessary medical care is something “we’re called to do,” regardless of whether someone considers themselves religious.

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There is no question that Scripture repeatedly reveals Christ’s compassion for the sick. The Gospels are overflowing with accounts of Jesus opening blind eyes, cleansing lepers, restoring broken bodies and demonstrating the supernatural power of the kingdom of God.

But moving from Jesus healed the sick to Jesus supports this particular healthcare policy is a much bigger theological leap.

The plan Talarico is promoting with Cuban targets consolidation within America’s healthcare system. The Christian Post reported that Talarico wants to break up major healthcare conglomerates that he argues contribute to higher costs.

Cuban has already planted his flag in the prescription-drug fight. In 2022, he founded the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to lower generic prescription drug prices.

Christians should absolutely care about the sick, the suffering and families crushed beneath impossible financial burdens. That isn’t controversial. It’s biblical.

But invoking Jesus carries tremendous weight.

Jesus cannot simply become a divine stamp of approval placed on whatever policy Washington happens to be debating.

If politicians are going to bring Jesus into politics, believers should be willing to open their Bibles and examine the claims for themselves.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact media@.