When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had been there for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” — John 5:6.
The man by the pool, a victim of circumstance for many years, mirrors the human condition marked by a type of mental paralysis. His physical ailment becomes a symbol of our emotional stagnation. We often find ourselves trapped in patterns of behavior, thought, or emotion, unable to break free despite the obvious pain and suffering.
Jesus’ question challenges this complacency. It forces us to confront the underlying reasons for our inaction. Is it fear of the unknown? Lack of faith in a better future? Or perhaps a deep-seated belief that we are undeserving of healing?
Jesus offers more than physical restoration; He promises wholeness—a restoration of our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. True healing, therefore, involves a radical transformation. It requires us to surrender our self-reliance and embrace God’s grace.
The man’s response to Jesus’ question is crucial. His willingness to be made well necessitates a leap of faith, a surrender to a power greater than himself. This act of faith becomes a model for our own journey.
The pool of Bethesda, a place of healing and hope, represents our community. Just as the man relied on others to help him into the pool, we depend on the support and encouragement of our neighbors. Jesus’ question, then, is not only directed at the individual but also at the community. Are we truly committed to the healing and restoration of one another? Do we create spaces where people feel safe to confront their deepest wounds and embrace the possibility of change?
John 5:6 presents a profound challenge to our complacency and invites us to embark on a journey of deep transformation. Jesus’ question, “Do you want to be made well?”, is an invitation to embrace a life of wholeness. It is a call to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown, trusting in God’s healing power.
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