John 5:1-3 ASV and John 5:5-8 ASV

There’s a paralytic at the pool who’s been there for 38 years.

THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS!

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6)

I wonder what Jesus was thinking as he asked that question.

Do you want to get well? Do you really?

You’ve been lying here for thirty-eight years with your healing just feet away? And you’re still here? Do you really want to get well?

The man had no shortage of excuses…

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” (John 5:7)

It’s easy for our paralysis to be someone else’s fault, isn’t it? “No one will help me…” “somebody else always gets there first…”

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8)

With Jesus, there are no more excuses, there is no more shifting of responsiblity to someone else. It’s simply about you and Jesus…and simple obedience.

Your healing is right in front of you…get up and walk.

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