John 5:6 – “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” NKJV
I never cease to be amazed at both the question and the answer in this account of Jesus healing the man at the Pool of Bethesda. The account tells us a most amazing account of what took place at the Pool. Multitudes of sick people would come or be brought there and that included people who were blind, lame, paralyzed and with other maladies. The reason they were there was not to beg for food or money but because of the miraculous event that would transpire. At a certain time an “Angel of God” would come down and stir the water and whoever stepped into the pool first after the water began stirring was completely healed. It was a “first come first served” situation. I can’t explain why this would be but it was.
We are informed by John that one of those at the pool was a man who had been lame for 38 years. Now, it would stand to reason that someone brought him to the pool and apparently they would deposit him there and then depart leaving him to fend for himself. Due to his condition, he was unable to get to the water before people who either had help or were in a more mobile condition so day after day, month after month, and year after year he faced the same disappointment. The fact that he kept coming suggests that he never fully lost hope but when you listen to the question of Jesus and his response you see some of the problems and these problems translate into issues in many if not most of our lives.
Notice the question of Jesus – “Do you want to be made well?” WHAT! Jesus, I’ve been here for 38 years what do you think? I would have thought that his immediate response would have been ABSOLUTELY but it wasn’t. He began by making excuses as to why he had not been healed.
John 5:7 – “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I’m coming, another steps down before me.”
Woe is me! He begins to lay blame on his family, his friends, and turn the focus on his circumstances, environment, and helplessness. That was not the question. Jesus didn’t ask and I have no doubt already knew the situation. The question was simple: “Do you want to be made well?” I wonder how many times when God through the Holy Spirit or the Word asks us a similar question we take the approach of the Lame Man and justify, dignify, or excuse away our lack of the miracle. Maybe it was a mindset that he needed within himself to justify his condition with his lack of help. Maybe it made him feel better about his condition if he could transfer the blame for his lack of healing to others, conditions, or circumstances. We do that. But again, that was not the question. The question was: “Do you want to be made well?”
Jesus didn’t acknowledge or respond to his excuses and objections and instead of waiting for any further response said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” (v.8) IMMEDIATELY the man was made well, took up his bed and walked. The miracle was not celebrated by the establishment of the religious hierarchy because it was on the SABBATH. Taking up his bed violated the rules – – but what about the miracle of a man who had not been able to walk for 38 years now being able to walk? SHOULD THAT NOT BE CELEBRATED? Not to those with Religious Spirits! You have to keep the rules to the letter of the law and if that meant the man remained a cripple so be it. That is not compassion or love it is LAW! It is a man-made ideology rather than a Celebration of God and His Power and Love!
So when the Holy Spirit asks you a question give the right answer don’t try to find all the reasons why it has not or cannot be – – Answer the question according to the very deep cry of your heart! Say Yes to the Lord!
May the Lord bless you is my prayer!
