¹ After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. ³ In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. ⁵ One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”⁷ The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” ⁸ Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” ⁹ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

 Meditation:

1. This is Jesus’ third sign recorded by John.
2. “Do you want to get well”(v6)?  This was what Jesus asked the man who had been paralyzed for most of his life.   It might be obvious to answer “Of course!” for the man.  However, for some 38 years the paralyzed man had lived a dependent life.  If he were healed, he would have to take care of himself.  So, Jesus’ question is a penetrating one.
3. This is a question we have to ask ourselves as Christians.  Do we want Christ to heal the areas in our lives where we’ve been damaged?  Or do we want to keep feeling anger and resentment, or bitterness, or hurt and betrayal?  Too many Christians hold on tightly to the things that paralyze them spiritually.  Christ can heal us of these things.  So, do we want to be healed so that we will no longer be able to delude ourselves and cry, “My life isn’t my fault, others are to blame.”
4. So, Jesus’ question echoes on today: “Do you want to get well?”  What will be your reply?

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: Who wrote the Gospel of John?  John made a point to write down seven miraculous signs performed by Jesus.  Do you still remember what the first one was?  What about the second one?  Today’s passage tells us the third one.  What do you think of Jesus when you saw all these signs Jesus did?

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 10:4-7

⁴ A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.  ⁵ He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.  ⁶ Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.  ⁷ The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.