John 5:1-18

... ⁵One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. ⁶When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” ⁷“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. …¹⁵The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well. …

“No one to help me… then Jesus came …”

 While reading this text there are three main points that stick out to me:

 1. Jesus is working, despite our apathy: John points out the invalid had been lying by the pool for 38 years. This most likely means that this was common knowledge to local Jews in Jerusalem and that the man was known for begging at this specific spot. It is interesting how when Jesus asks the man “Do you want to get well?” the answer does not reveal any faith on the man’s part. In fact, he is clearly oblivious to who Jesus is (v.13). And then, having found out who healed him, he at once goes and informs the Jews, most likely knowing their hostility (v.15). It is astounding that, even though Jesus knew what would come to pass, he still chose to heal this paralyzed man. This encourages me greatly, as I know there have been (and will be) many times in life when I have been apathetic or passive regarding my faith, growing in my relationship with Christ and doing my part in building God’s kingdom. I am filled with thankfulness that Jesus chooses to continue to work in our lives, whether we feel the need for it or not.

2. Jesus’ love contrasts human legalism: The Jews’ lack of interest in a man miraculously walking after 38 years makes it easy to point fingers at their stringency in following the Sabbath rules. But how often do we get caught up in our daily routines, going through the motions, expecting certain patterns… and then when an unexpected need occurs, it irritates us because we don’t have the time, the energy or it doesn’t “feel convenient” to help a stranger? Jesus never hesitated in showing love and compassion to the outcast. In fact, he often abruptly stopped what he was doing to reach out a healing helping hand (for example in Mark 5). It is a great blessing to be the one being aided. However, it is more important to understand that we are called to be Christ to others and help them in need.

3. Jesus came to fulfill his Father’s work, not to acclaim fame: One of my favorite attributes of Christ is his humbleness. Isn’t it interesting how after performing a miracle Jesus withdraws to avoid popular acclaim? But when the Jews are already angry at him for healing on the Sabbath, he isn’t afraid of making their fury even greater by stating God is his Father and he is fulfilling his works. My humanness intuitively tells me to do the exact opposite: celebrate God’s power and might but avoid the difficult questions and confrontations. (That is why I am so thankful for point number 1.)

Prayer

Jesus Christ, thank you for your never-ending compassion. Please teach us to love more like you. Help us not to fulfill our own glories, but to follow in your footsteps as we continue to build your kingdom in humility. Amen.