In the tapestry of biblical narratives, certain verses shimmer with a timeless relevance, piercing through the centuries to confront us in our daily walk of faith. One such verse, found in the Gospel of John, resonates powerfully even today: “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6, ESV). This question, posed by Jesus to a man at the pool of Bethesda, carries profound implications not just for physical healing, but for spiritual restoration and transformation in the lives of believers.
At first glance, it seems almost absurd for Jesus to ask such a question. The man had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years, lying by the pool, hoping for a miracle. Yet, Jesus saw beyond the physical ailment to the condition of the man’s heart. He asked not only about physical healing but about a deeper longing within the soul – the desire for true wholeness.
Similarly, this question echoes down the corridors of time, reverberating through the hearts of believers today. For every Christian, it poses a challenge: Do you truly desire healing and restoration in every aspect of your life – body, soul, and spirit?
In contemplating this question, we are compelled to confront the pervasive reality of hypocrisy within the body of Christ. We profess Jesus as Lord, we sing His praises, yet how often do we shrink back from the fullness of His power working in our lives? How many of us settle for an appearance of godliness while denying the transformative power that Jesus offers?
The apostle Paul addresses this very issue in his second letter to Timothy, warning of those who have “the appearance of godliness, but deny its power” (2 Timothy 3:5, ESV). These are individuals who go through the motions of religion, yet their lives remain largely unchanged by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. They profess faith with their lips but deny its power to break chains, to heal wounds, and to bring about radical transformation.
As Christians, we must recognize the danger of falling into this trap of hypocrisy. We cannot claim allegiance to Christ while simultaneously resisting the fullness of His power to heal, to deliver, and to restore. We must be willing to confront our own areas of brokenness and surrender them to the healing touch of Jesus.
“Do you want to be healed?” This question challenges us to examine our hearts honestly and to lay bare our deepest desires before the throne of grace. It calls us to abandon the façade of religious performance and to embrace the reality of a vibrant, life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.
Let us not settle for a shallow imitation of Christianity, but let us press forward in faith, hungering and thirsting for the abundant life that Jesus promises to those who believe. May we echo the words of the psalmist, declaring, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, ESV).
Lazarevic Ministries 