By Pastor Patrick Palas, Ebenezer Baptist Church
In John 5, Jesus meets a man who has lain beside the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. Crowds of the sick wait for the water to stir, hoping the first to enter will be healed. This man remains unable to reach the pool. Jesus approaches and asks a direct question: “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6).
The question seems almost unnecessary. Of course the man wants to be well after nearly four decades of suffering. Yet Jesus’ words reach deeper than physical need. They test the heart’s willingness to receive what only God can give. The man replies by describing his obstacles: “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.” He focuses on limitations and unfairness rather than answering with a clear “yes.”
Jesus does not argue. He simply commands, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” The man is healed at once. The miracle depends neither on the pool nor on the man’s ability to position himself correctly. It rests on the authority of Christ and the man’s obedience to His word. Faith here is not striving but responding to Jesus’ invitation.
This passage presses us toward honest self-examination. How often do we rehearse our obstacles instead of answering Jesus’ question? We may long for freedom from bitterness, fear, or broken relationships, yet remain stuck, waiting for circumstances to change or for someone else to act. Jesus still asks: Do you want to be healed? Do you want the life He offers, even if it means leaving familiar patterns of helplessness?
Physical healing is not the final goal. Later Jesus finds the man and says, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” True wholeness includes a redirected life turned toward the One who heals. The pool of Bethesda could never give that. Only Jesus can.
In our own seasons of waiting and weakness, the same question echoes. Christ does not ask whether we deserve healing or have tried hard enough. He asks whether we are willing to receive it—and then to walk in the new life He gives. Faith begins with that honest answer and continues in the daily choice to rise, take up our bed, and follow Him.
Ebenezer Baptist Church is located at the Corner of Rt 233 and County Rd. 36 w (Marley Mill Rd). And they worship Sunday at 11 AM.
If you are a leader of faith in the Wiregrass Area and are interested in submitting your reflections on faith, an inspiring story, or some other short piece, please email [email protected]. We are interested in sharing material from all backgrounds and denominations so all voices of faith are heard.
