John 5:5-6 – A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, ‘Do you wish to get well?’
In John’s Gospel, when we read about this man, who had an utter inability to help himself, we remember Jesus’ word regarding spiritual health; ‘apart from Me, you can do nothing’ (Jn. 15). We should all see ourselves in this man when it comes to God’s standards for living.
Upon Jesus asking this man if he wanted to get well, we learn that he had not lost his will, rather, he had not yet come to the right source. Jesus gives him a command that he could not perform in and of himself, but by putting his trust in Jesus’ Word, shown in his attempt to keep it, the man was immediately made whole.
Our most intense struggles cannot save us from the crippling paralysis of sin. However, if we will take God at His Word and trust in Jesus Christ, we can find an immediate healing from our brokenness.
Jesus later found this man in the Temple and told him, ‘you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you’ (V.14). When we have been healed by Jesus’ Word, we are also empowered to walk in newness of life. We are no longer slaves to sin and its dire consequences.
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing both forgiveness and power over sin. Jesus, I praise you for being my intercessor that no weapon formed against me may prosper. I pray others will see the difference you’ve made in my life today, for the glory of your name. Amen.