Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
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?” John 5:6
Although it seems like an odd question it was a legitimate one. After all, the man had been laying by the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. Jesus had a right to ask the question to confirm the man just wasn’t there for pity or to panhandle. To understand the question fully, here is the entire story.
4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 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?” 7 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.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. John 5:4-9
I have often heard the term, ‘Jesus is a gentleman’ used to describe His relationship with humanity. He doesn’t force anything on us. We are free to reject Him, His power and healing, and His forgiveness for our sins. This is because we have free will. It is a God given right.
Free will is a double-edged sword. It is a gift from God. He created us with the ability to choose which we do daily. Choices like what to eat, what to wear or where to live. The deeper choices in life involve our relationship with Christ and eternity itself. We choose to pray, or not. We choose to grow close to Christ or live like a heathen.
We choose to accept the wooing of the Holy Spirit and through faith open the door to accept Jesus Christ as our savior.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
Jesus’ question comes to us. Do you want to get well? Do you want to be free from sin? Do you want to be set free, your burdens lifted and filled with peace and joy? This is what Jesus offers.
Contemplation: Have I answered Jesus in the affirmative or am I still hanging on to my infirmities and sin filled lifestyle?
