As a physician, I assume when patients come to me, they want my help in treating a problem so they can become healthier and happier. This is the case for the vast majority of patients I see. But there is the occasional patient who returns again and again without following any of my suggestions or advice, and I often wonder whether they actually want to get better. For some people, their role as a “sick” person is more comfortable than the changes that may be needed to become “well.”
The man at the pool of Bethesda had to answer that question posed by Jesus: Do you want to be made well? In my experience, most people would answer that question with a resounding yes! But this man answered with an elaborate excuse for why he spent his life simply waiting and watching others experience healing.
It seems something in Jesus’ tone or body language broke through the man’s complacency or resignation or quiet despair, and when Jesus told him to stand up, he did! That movement catapulted the man into a new life that may have been harder than lying around sick and simply hoping, but was ultimately much more satisfying and exciting.
We all have to answer a similar question from Jesus: Do you want to be made well? Will we make excuses for why we’re still stuck in some part of our lives? Whether it’s a rocky relationship, habit we’re tired of, spiritual slump we can’t break, or some other thing preventing us from having the abundant life Jesus promised. Or will we take a breath and answer Jesus’ call to stand up and move with him to a healthier, more satisfying life?
The pool at Bethesda only offered healing for a few. Jesus offers healing for everyone—all we need to do is stand and follow him!
Reflection:
- Do you think Jesus’ healing is available for you? Why or why not?
- What changes do you need to make to start the journey from “sick” to “well”?