| John 5:6 – “Do you want to get well?” |
One of my favorite moments from Jesus’ ministry was at Bethesda in Jerusalem, a large gathering of pools on the north side of the temple mount, presently situated in the heart of the Old City. According to the New Testament, here many disabled people would lie (John 5: 3).
When the waters would stir, it was common belief that the first person into the pool would be cured of his or her infirmity.
On this day, Jesus came across a man lying by the pool who had been suffering from his disability for almost four decades. Jesus asked him a powerful, yet seemingly obvious question, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5: 6, NIV)
Who would say “no?” Or “Let me get back with you?” Of course, the man wanted to get well. Anyone would.
Yet Jesus’ question generated a universal response. Rather than answering “yes” or “no,” the man’s reply indicated that others had prevented his healing.
“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.” (John 5: 7, NIV).
“No one helps me.” “Others don’t wait their turn.” In other words, “it’s their fault.” And thus, the chorus of time.
Please hear me adamantly say that my heart breaks for this man, and I’m so thankful that he was healed. Through His mercy and faithfulness, Jesus sees and cares for all of us. Yet in the story, one can’t deny the connection of Jesus’ healing and personal responsibility.
Human nature, however, blames others for the absence of righteousness.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” (Genesis 3: 12, NIV). Adam dodged responsibility for his own mistakes. And people still point fingers for their unfaithfulness today.
“I didn’t have the right upbringing.”
“I didn’t attend the right school.”
“I wasn’t given the right opportunities.”
“I didn’t have the right mentor.”
While all that may be relevant, personal responsibility is still real. And history books are lined with people who had everything but lost even more.
Spiritually speaking, no one can get well until they come to Jesus. No one can make them come to Jesus, and no one can keep them from coming to Jesus.
Not even Jesus Himself.
Jesus wants everyone to get well, but He forces no one to be healed.
So, what about you? Do you want to get well? Bethesda’s bid is still offered today, and waiting and blaming isn’t a dependable approach.
- Jacob Hawk
