That You May Know - Pt 13

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. (John 5:1-9 ESV).

Our reading details Jesus’ encounter with the man at the pool of Bethesda. It is a fascinating story. Here was a man afflicted with infirmities for thirty-eight years whose excuse for his prolonged condition that he had no one to help him get into the pool (v. 7). I have often wondered where was his family, or friends? That aside, I have always been intrigued by the preceding verse more. Here Jesus asks him if he wants to be well (v. 6). It seems to me that Jesus’ question spoke to the man’s will. I’ve known some people who do seem to like the role of victim. They seem to constantly retell and reliving all the negatives that have happened to them. They themselves will admit that such a state is stressful and make them unhappy, yet no matter how many people have tried to help them move along in their lives, they are stuck. Like the man at the pool, their total identity is now wrapped up in their condition; it defines them. This man was no longer called by his name. He was now the man at the pool. Here is the great revelation concerning the character of Jesus. It is not His will to leave us in our present state. He comes with the desire and power to change us. It is important to note that Jesus did not ask him if he wanted to be healed. That would only address his current infirmities. He asked the man if he wanted to be made whole. John Gill, in his Exposition on the Bible, says the idea that the question addressed the issue of timing: “Wilt thou be made whole on this day?’ which was the Sabbath.” Not only could he be made whole, but he could be made whole today if he so desired. Jesus asks the same question of us today. I don’t know what condition holds you captive today, but whatever it is, you do not have to be known by your condition. While it may be tempting to stay in our dysfunctions because we have had them for so long rest assured that Jesus can set you free today. That’s who He is. That’s what He can do! He can do the same for you and me. He is just that kind of God. Therefore Believe!