Do you want to be healed?

Would anyone answer “no” to that question? Then why did Jesus ask that of the man sitting by the pool of Bethesda who had been an invalid for 38 years? (According to the account in John 5, the pool of Bethesda was thought to have healing properties.) Was Jesus merely asking a rhetorical question? Pastors and scholars have bantered over many theories on Jesus’ question, on the intent or the meaning. Interestingly, the man did not answer the question; he merely explained why as of yet, he had not been healed. “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” (John 5:7). He clearly felt defeated, without hope. Although the man didn’t answer the question, one lesson is certain. Healing was not going to come from the mere stirring of waters. Jesus came, the waiting came to an end, and he was instantly healed.

Do you want to be healed?

Where should you turn? Where should you place your hope? Doesn’t this sign help demonstrate that Jesus is the only real source of restoration, life, and hope?