Men of Courageous Faith - week 2

People of courageous faith becomes dissatisfied with short-term DIY solutions.

Scripture Text: John 5:1-4

John 5:1–4 NASB95

After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.

Why were sick people at the gate?

Two short answers. First, they were placed there. Second, they were looking for a solution that offered a better life.

The sheep gate was close to the temple and the market, so guardians would place disabled people in this high-traffic area to beg for food or money.

Some disabled people agreed to be in this location because they didn’t see hope anywhere else. Some were forced to be there to provide for their care. Some were at the pool because they had little or no value outside of begging. All of them waited for the moving of the water and desperately hoped for a different way of life.

Think about that – their sole purpose in life was begging and didn’t feel any hope away from the pool. It didn’t matter how much they wanted a different life, they could not do it on their own. They placed their complete trust in a hopeful possibility.

The people around the pool were stuck. They needed a different plan!

People of courageous faith trust that Jesus has a long-term permanent solution.

Scripture Text: John 5:5-9

John 5:5–9 NASB95

A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.

When we try to help another person, we don’t know the entire situation. It seems there is always more to the story. Jesus knew the whole story and still stopped to pay attention to this person. For 38 years, this man had not been strong enough to walk on his own or sit in an upright position. He had to drag himself to the pool water and was always a little late.

I always picture Jesus sitting down during this conversation. What was it like to sit next to this man? What would he say about his self-worth? Assuming his caretakers were his parents, what would he say about that relationship since they made him beg every day? Was he well-groomed? Did a bad odor surround him?

I think he believed life gave him very few options and he was desperate for something better.

Jesus knew the man had been in that condition a long time and asked if he wanted to be made well. Not only was Jesus was concerned for this man’s inability to walk, but he wanted to restore his self-worth. Jesus wanted to restore him physically, emotionally, and (in verse 14) spiritually. Jesus wanted to be the solution that the sick man had been waiting 38 years to arrive in his life.

When Jesus asked if the sick man wanted to be made well, the sick man gave an excuse. He told Jesus why restoration and redemption was not possible. I’ve been left alone. Nobody will help me. I show up a little late every time. The pool is my only solution and it’s not working for me. Healing just isn’t available to me.

We live in a world that thinks our truth, abilities, and solutions carry more power than Jesus carries. That pattern of thinking will cripple you. It will take a life-long journey of searching for the correct next step and you will never find it.

“Do you want to be made well?” The original language changes how we might understand the question. Jesus asked him if he wanted what has already been given to him.

The struggle is real, why would you say that I have already been made well. I told you what I live with every day. Jesus, haven’t you been listening? My solution isn’t working.

Jesus’ response is so loving. Yes, I was listening. Yes, I know what you live with every day. You see, I want to offer a solution that is immediate. I want to offer a solution that will permanently take care of the problem.

Jesus’ healing words were, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Be healed and continue to walk in your healing.

Application - When a person of courageous faith trusts that God has a long-term solution, he/she anticipates there will be a next step the Lord asks us to take. In fact, there is always another step toward Christ. However, it is far too easy to settle for something less because it seems normal or comfortable.