Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
Anyone reading this blog has probably figured out that I write for mothers dealing with children who have learning differences. Many times, it is a diagnosed disability. Since this is so much of what makes me tick, I am thrilled to come across a passage of scripture dealing with disabilities. Here we are at the place that people come to worship. Those with disabilities would lie there hoping a worshipper would feel compassion on them. There must of been an interaction because the scripture said Jesus learned that a particular man had been disabled for a very long time. Thirty-nine years to be exact. I have been married almost 32 years ago..I got my drivers license about 39 years ago. Jesus could of said many things but he chose to ask a question, "Do you want to get well?" Why that question?
Jesus wants to know if the man is ready for the healing. Does he want to be well or does he want to sit on the sidelines and talk about how unfair life has been? That is an important thing for each of us to think about. Sure, life has sent us some tough blows. But do we want a touch from the Creator of the universe or wallow in our pitiful state telling everyone who passes how unfair life has been? The choice was given to this man and it is given to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me
This man told Jesus that he had been trying to get into the pool for a healing but just couldn't do it on his own, Sound familiar? All of us try to solve our problems on our own but just can't seem to conquer them.
8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
No, it could not be done in 39 years but by the sound of Jesus voice it was done immediately. Of course, it is not God's will to heal in every circumstance but it is His will to meet us at every turn. God delights in meeting us but comes in his own way, his own time and to receptive hearts. God has a plan and he desires to unfold that plan in a way that brings him honor and glory? Let's all make it our goal this week to let God in....so we can see his plan unfold!
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