August 31 | John 5:6-9

“Jesus saw this one lying there and knowing that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you wish to become healthy?” The sick man replied to him, “Lord, I do not have a person, so that when the water is stirred, to put me into the pool. And when I am coming, another steps in before me.” Jesus said to him, “Stand up, pick up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well and he picked up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.” (John 5:6–9)

Several times in my life pastures and Bible teachers have asked extremely perceptive questions. They did not know my situation or how I felt about it. But the Holy Spirit gave them discernment to know what I needed to be challenged with in that moment.

In His third sign of His divinity in the Gospel of John Jesus shows you that He alone is your source of healing. He meets a paralytic man waiting at this pool in Jerusalem. Most Bible versions have removed the verse that explains why he waits there.

A tradition states that an angel stirs this pool. The first one who gets in the pool is healed. When Jesus meets him He asks, “Do you want to be healed?” The man is going to the wrong source.

Why is this a perceptive question? Too often we get comfortable with our infirmity. We think this is how it has to be. Maybe you get a nice disability check that comes with your infirmity. Perhaps you’re looking to doctors and medicines instead of to Jesus the Great Physician.

Action Step: Look to Jesus only for your healing. God can use doctors and medicine. But He wants to heal you. Don’t get comfortable in your infirmity.

Jesus, I cry out to You from the depths of my soul, “Heal this body!” Make me whole by Your powerful name. I believe in Your promises. I thank You for my healing before it happens. I declare Your name and my faith in You now!