AN IMPORTANT QUESTION
JOHN 5:6-9
JOHN 5:6-9 NKJV
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.
And that day was the Sabbath.
Ever notice how often Jesus asked questions? That was a question. He asked questions rather frequently. And sometimes, His questions did not appear to make sense.
Jesus would ask blind men who came to Him what they wanted Him to do.
When the Pharisees would ask Him questions, trying to catch Him in His words, He would ask them a question. No way anyone ever pinned Jesus down.
Even when Pilate asked Him questions, He had questions for Pilate. Shocked Pilate.
Here in our passage for today, Jesus asked this man a question that, at face value, appeared to be obvious. Do you want to be made well?
This man had been by the pool Bethesda for 38 years. Jesus knew, by the Holy Spirit, that the man had been there a long time, and still, He asked that question.
The man responded as one who was offended. The reason he was not well was someone was able to get to the healing water quicker than him. Jesus healed him, and the man got up and walked away. If you read the rest of the story, this man did not even know who had healed him.
APPLICATION:
Jesus did not play games with people. He was the personification of love and truth. When He asked questions, it was for a reason.
Sometimes people can be so comfortable with their routine they don't want to change. Studies have shown that the number of people who change their lifestyle after heart surgery is amazingly low.
So, this is a great question or theme of questions we can ask ourselves. Do I want to get well? Do I want to get stronger? Do I want to change? Do I want to improve my relationships?
I do not want to sit and wait for the "water to move." I want to move forward. So, I am willing to adjust, willing to change.
And by God's grace, we have not only answers but the help we need. Do you want to get well? There is grace for that. Do you want to change? There is grace for that. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.