Read John 5:1-14
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?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”—John 5:6-7
The man had lived with his infirmity 38 years. For some unrecorded time, he waited at the pool of Bethesda, where some were healed. During certain seasons, an angel came down and stirred up the water, after which the first person to get in the pool was healed. Miracles happened—for others—but never him. Then one day, out of all the people waiting at the pool, Jesus came to him and asked, “Do you want to be made well?”
Perhaps the man was earnestly explaining why he was still infirmed after all these years. Possibly he was expecting Jesus to help him get to the pool before others beat him, yet again. Nevertheless, the man chose to respond with an explanation as to why he hadn’t been healed, instead of answering the question.
Jesus’ question not only inquired whether the man was ready for freedom from his current dilemma, but also challenged him as to whether he was prepared for the responsibility of living up to a future of wellness. No longer able to attribute his situation to the infirmity or blaming others for stepping into the pool before him, being made well-meant he’d have to exercise the responsibilities of a man expected to walk in well-being.
Even today, Jesus asks the question: “Do you want to be made well?” Made well as in freed from our habits, baggage and bondage. Made well as delivered from the stigma of our past, ready to live up to the responsibilities of a future in which we’ve been made well. It’s discarding the excuses and being expected to live anew.
The only One who can free us from our infirmities asks, “Do you want to be made well?” Do we answer the question, or do we give Him an excuse?
Lesson to Remember: When Jesus asks, “Do you want to be made well?” do I answer or make excuses?
“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”—Luke 14:27
Thank you for giving insight to what was really asked. I thought of The hymn ” It Is Well” as I read this.