By Justin Danielson – Minister Parkview Christian Church
The title of this article is a great question. Probably not one of us would answer, “No.” Most if not, all would answer with a resounding, “Yes.” How we would like to get well differs from person to person.
Jesus asked many questions throughout His three-year ministry. A lot of the time Jesus asked questions to get to the heart of the people He was asking. When Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?” He was talking about more than just physical health. We can answer this question for our whole being – spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.
In John 5 Jesus was at a feast of the Jews. This feast was in Jerusalem where a lot of them were held. Jews from all over would make the trek to Jerusalem for these celebrations. During this time, Jesus made His way to a pool of water called Bethesda which means house of mercy. At this pool there were many people in need of healing. As John says, “In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.” Many would gather around these pools because they believed in false gods. They believed that if they could be the first in the water when it was stirred, they would be healed.
At the pool Jesus saw a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. This guy would have depended on family and friends every day to bring him to this pool to try to be the first in. This happened day after day with no results. Have you felt that way? You’ve tried and tried with no progress, no success.
Jesus didn’t just leave the guy there. He spoke to him and asked, “Do you want to be healed?” Just as Jesus beelined His way to this man, He is making His way to us as well. He wants us to all answer the question. So…what is your answer?
The man immediately thought of his physical condition and responded that he had no one to put him into the pool. But Jesus wasn’t asking for an excuse; He wanted a yes or no answer. We may find ourselves in this boat of excuses of why we can’t get well. Or we find ourselves in the camp of “I can’t.” Those two little words are ones I don’t like to hear in my home. Teachers, coaches, and bosses hear these words all the time. When I hear the words, “I can’t,” I always ask back, “Have you tried?”
Jesus simply replies to the man’s excuses, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” For 38 years this man had depended on others. He would have been worn out, desperate, and at a loss about what to do next. Maybe you find yourself like this man. This guy didn’t know Jesus until his encounter with the Healer on this day beside the pool. What he thought he needed wasn’t what he really needed. What he needed, and what we all need is simply Jesus!
We may not be totally able to get up and walk from our physical, mental, or emotional needs at once like this invalid did. But know that Jesus is the answer. He is the only answer. Jesus is the only one that can heal the brokenness in our lives. The Bible lays out the plan of salvation. We must hear the Word and believe in Jesus, repent of our sins, and confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord. We are to be baptized to wash away our old life of sin, and we are to live faithfully for Jesus the rest of our lives.
Do you want to get well? I do and pray you do as well. Grace and Peace, – Justin Danielson – Minister Parkview Christian Church
