I’m always surprised by Jesus’ question to the man who had been sick for 38 years. That’s a very long time to be suffering. After that much time had passed, the man may have become accustomed to his pain and disability. To be healed would have been too frightening to imagine. What would he do if he were actually healed? Did he truly believe the bubbling water was the answer? It was easier to stay in denial.
Then we see how the man responded to Jesus’ question. He made excuses. In his words, “I can’t.” That didn’t answer Jesus’ question at all. Yet Jesus’ compassion for the man was great, and Jesus immediately healed him. Continue reading “John 5:1-18 – What Do You Want?”
