PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 5:1-15
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14)
What a day for this man; after 38 years he can walk again.
Who is this man, what is his story, and why does Jesus single him out?
Of the “great number” of people in need of help, Jesus picks him.
And yet Jesus also warns him to stop sinning, or something worse might happen.
Is Jesus saying ‘you better be good or else God is going to get you!’?
Is this a line for all of us to live with, ‘don’t you dare sin, or God will zap you!’?
Jesus does not say this to everyone he heals; we hear it hear, and in John 8:11.
It is as if Jesus knows what each person needs to hear, and uniquely speaks to each one.
I believe there is a story here, and that Jesus knows this man’s great danger.
Perhaps after years of loneliness, neglect and abuse, bitterness and anger have solidified.
Will he seek revenge now that he is able, will he immerse himself in anger unleashed?
‘Something worse’ isn’t God’s angry revenge on the bad, it is the price of recklessness.
Jesus loves this man, and is protecting him from getting himself into worse trouble.
Is there something that Jesus knows about me, that he is pleading with me to stop?
PRAYER
Lord, what is the thing I need to stop or my life will get worse? Help me to hear in these words your deep love and concern, and your desire to fully rescue and restore me!
“The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ”
Jesus came into my life and makes me well – but he also tells me to pick up the mat – get going- there is kingdom work to be done! Lord help me to be a better disciple – you have healed me, help me to be used to heal others – to bring the living water near so that they may have the opportunity to drink – only in the name of Jesus! Lord, keep me from harming myself by my own willful ways!
Jesus didn’t heal me on the condition that I stop sinning. Jesus healed me knowing full well that I will stumble despite my best efforts and loves me anyway. This is why we strive, for the Parent who believes in us, for the Friend that encourages us, and for the Brother who always stands by us – that we will get better so will not let Him down.
The man had been lame, blind, paralyzed for 38 years and he desired to be healed as evidenced by his presence by the pool. He wanted a new life which only Jesus can give. He had the desire of change. And I too need change, continual growth in the Lord in my journey of learning serving Him. May I always be directed by His Spirit working within me to grow in Him doing His will.
Your voice alone, O Lord, can speak to me of grace;
Your power alone, O Lord, does all my sin erase.
No other work but Yours, no other blood will do;
No other strength but Your great power can bear me safely through.
I praise the God of grace; Oh I trust His truth and might;
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my joy, my light.
‘Tis He who saves my life, and freely pardon gives;
I love because He first loved me, I live because He lives.