Jesus had this insightful and irritating knack of asking people ridiculous questions, questions that bury the real question. Only real questions can have real answers.

The Ridiculous Question 

For thirty-eight years he had lain by a pool unable to move on his own. Some said from time to time an angel of the Lord would stir the water. By this heavenly movement, the first person to step down into it was healed. He had no other hope, no treatments or medicine that could help him, ease his pain, release him from this disorder. He didn’t even have a friend who would stay with him to get into the water. So he had lain there all these years among the others who likewise had no other hope. He may have prayed, but all those prayers had done was just keep him there in that miserable condition. 

 Jesus saw him and innately knew how long he’d been sick. Jerusalem was in one of its busy seasons with a Jewish holy day bringing throngs of the faithful for worship and sacrifice. The man and those others lying by the pool were likely part of a side spectacle for the crowds waiting for a miraculous healing so they could later brag at home what they’d seen. But to Jesus, he wasn’t one of many. He was simply a very sick man.

          “Would you like to get well?”

Really? He’d been there for how long and now you’re actually asking him if he’d like to get better? For someone who was getting some buzz among the populace, you’re a little lacking in bed side manner. You want to rephrase that, Jesus?

The Real Question

He didn’t need to. Jesus knew what he’d said even as the rest of them were clueless. He asked the man, are you beyond wishing, desiring, even hoping to the point where you’re absolutely determined and resolved to do what it takes? Do what it takes to get in that pool or whatever else it takes for your life to change? Do you really want it?

If so, you know what it’ll take? It means to get to a place where you become and are made all over again. Are you willing and resolved for that to happen in your life?

The Hard Question

Finally, this is more than just no longer being paralyzed. Are you ready for that? Do you want to be made well to the point where you are whole? Can you live life whole and complete in body, mind and soul? Do you wish to get well?

Ever hear the saying, “Be careful what you pray for?” You very well may be blessed but in ways that are more than what you knew God could do in you. The man does some more whining about not having help to get in the pool. Jesus won’t listen.

          “Stand up, take up your sleeping mat, and walk!”

Stand up. Notwithstanding the effort for someone who hadn’t moved in thirty-eight years, a power entered him. It was a power that changed his position and perspective. He would not be that sick guy languishing by a public pool. He couldn’t claim or think of himself as disabled, crippled, dependent on anyone again. He rose to be what he didn’t know he could be. 

Take up your sleeping mat. Yes, that dirty and despised mat you spent too many days and nights lying on, crying on, shriveled into a helpless and hopeless body. Don’t think you can do this by leaving behind what you were. It’s your story, and you need a story to know what God has done in you. Without your story, you forget or won’t realize the full impact and bearing of this day. Your miracle will drown in that pool you hoped would save you. So carry your mat, no longer now a burden but a treasure. 

And walk! Go! Move into this new life that’s been given to you! You can’t stay here.   This change, the gift of wholeness, needs to be exercised and released in celebration of this new life God will work in you. So lean and move into it as you’ve never been able to do before.

          Now, would you like to get well?

John 5:1-9

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The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away by Constance Hastings

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