John 5:14

New International Version

Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”

For Meditation

Thirty-eight years is a long period of affliction by paralysis. We do not know the cause of it, but we know it was not a birth deformity because of the warning Jesus gave him when they met sometime after healing him (Jn. 5:14).

The invalid had experienced neglect and abuse at the pool of Bethesda, according to his personal report to Jesus (7). His day came when the Lord Jesus showed up at the pool and asked him a simple question:

“Do you want to be healed?”

His litany of complaints did not matter. Mercy and grace had found him. 

“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

That was all he needed to hear and do. The Lord had healed him, and he received the strength to do just that – he walked away, carrying his mat.

We hear nothing about amazement and wonder that moved others to follow Jesus. The Gospel writer said nothing about giving thanks to Jesus or seeking to know him. Instead, John tells us about the sabbath reports the man presented to the Jewish leaders and their query about the identity of his healer. He knew nothing about Jesus nor cared for Him.

Glory to God for His incomparable love and bounteous grace. Jesus met and warned him to get right with God or something worse would happen to him (14). What an opportunity to get his act together, but no! He hurried to report Jesus to the authorities. He did not desire spiritual things. He cared less about Jesus, who He is, and the gift He came to present to him. Walking again was good enough for him. People would no longer miss his presence in their gatherings, and he could become great again in the community. The kingdom of God could wait for all he cared. 

Before anyone picks up a stone to cast at this man, let’s ask ourselves what Jesus might see in our attitude toward His grace and kindness. 

How many of us have not cried on Him for a need, and how many times has He not shown compassion and met them? It might be better not to mention our promises to Him if only He would touch us just this once. 

Today, let’s ask ourselves who we resemble in our responses to Jesus during the many times He has graciously come to our rescue – whatever our situation might have been.

Have you been indifferent and lacked commitment to Him like the invalid for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda? Have you shown inner joy, faith growth, and closeness to Jesus like the man born blind He sent to the Pool of Siloam for healing (9:1-39)?

What will you do to change or strengthen your attitude to the grace of God and reflect the glory of Jesus to those around you?