A Little Help Here

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.”

John 5:5-7

 

Jesus, why do you ask if he wants to be well, the guy clearly has been seeking healing for 38 years!!!  Even more shocking is the answer Jesus gets.  If Jesus asked me this question, the answer would be simple, “Yes please.”  Instead Jesus is given excuses for why it has not already happened.

 

It’s easy to look down on the man for not just saying, yes to Jesus, but are we much different?  In any 12 step program, the first step is reaching an awareness of your need for change or healing.  “Hi my name is Tony, and I’m an alcoholic.”  Once you have an awareness of your need for change, the remaining steps involve your action and involvement.  Jesus question perhaps is less about the man’s desire to be healed, but instead are you ready and willing to be healed?

 

You want to be healed financially; to get out of debt, to put some money away, Jesus says do you want to be healed?  Walk away from finding joy in a shopping bag, or happiness in the latest gadget.

 

You want healing in your relationship with your kids; Jesus says do you want to be healed?  Taking on an extra project at work or agreeing to more travel may not help you find what you are looking for.  Joining another club, or working more from home and likely not going to lead you to the place of healing you are seeking either.

 

You want healing in a broken relationship; Jesus says do you want to be healed?  Holding a grudge, or starting rumors about the other person are not going to lead you down the path to healing.

 

Do you want to be healed?  Jesus reminds us that he is the great physician, able to heal both the body and the soul.  Jesus reminds us in scripture, “I am…” I am what you need, I am the great physician.  Are you open to the great physician?  Or are you filled with excuses?  Or just not listening for His work all around you?

 

Pastor Bill

 

Discussion Questions

  1. What is one place that you want Jesus’ healing in your life?
  2. What might healing look like?