Though this is a place people avoided, even ignored, it is the place that Jesus deliberating went. In chapter 5 of his gospel John tells us that Jesus went to the Pool of Bethesda and walked among these social outcasts. He mingled with those whom society referred to by their condition. As He walked among them He came upon an invalid man lying on his mat. He saw the man among the masses. The man was not lost in the crowd. He was not overlooked lying on the ground. No, Jesus saw Him. (5:6)
No doubt this man was surprised to see Jesus walk up to him. He was unaccustomed to visitors, especially ones that noticed him. Day after day for thirty-eight years he was brought to this pool. This is a first time anyone came up to him. And somehow he knew Jesus was aware of his situation. Jesus knew! Somehow Jesus knew him. (5:6)
As their eyes locked the man could not help but wonder. But the silent wonder was broken when Jesus spoke to him asking; “Do you want to get well?” There must have been a moment or two of awkward silence. He could hardly believe his ears. This man spoke to him. And the question seemed a bit ridiculous. You would think the man would respond; “why do you think I am here?” He didn’t. There was something about this query that he could not shake. Thus he responded; “Sir, 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.” (5:7)
We are taken back by his response. This is a simple yes, no question. Jesus isn’t asking for reasons why he is not well. He is not looking for an explanation for why the man remains in his condition after 38 years. He was fully aware of the man’s condition and the situation. Jesus simply wanted to know if the man wanted to be made well, made whole.
It is as if Jesus heard something we do not for He responded to the man’s excuses with the simple directive; “Get Up! Pick up your mat and walk.” The man obeyed. He stood up, picked up his mat and walk away from the poolside for the first time in 38 years. He was not being carried now. He was walking carrying his own mat! And there was something more. He could not put his finger on it at the time, but there was more than his ability to walk. There was something wholly different about him. Later he would discover it when again me up with Jesus. Jesus tells the man; “See you are whole. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (5:14) Yes, he was whole from the inside out and able to live for God.
This question is not for this man alone. Jesus continues to walk among us, the broken, weary, lonely, and infirmed. He sees us right where we are, but loves us to much to leave us there. He knows about our situation, more intimately and completely than we know ourselves. And He asks; do we want to be made whole? The question cuts through our excuses. It cuts through our false belief that we can never be different than what we are. It penetrates to the very heart of the matter. We can no longer cling to our infirmity as an excuse or allow it to define us. The question resounds with the mind-boggling reality that Jesus can make us whole if we will but allow Him. Our yes need not be verbal, but as the man, in simply faith obedience we stand up and walk in new life in Christ having surrendered to His gracious re-creating.
Beloved there is no sin so great that God’s grace is not greater. There are no chains that bind so strong that He is unable to break. There is no life so shattered that He is able to re-create and make new. Do you want to be made whole? Turn your eyes to Him. Place you faith in Him. Surrender you life into His re-creative hands. Get up and Walk!
Keep Close to Jesus!
Pastor Gerry