The reading For Tonight John 5:5-8

Moving to PERFECTION in Northside Moving to PERFECTION in

Let Us Go On To Perfection Lesson #2

John 5:6

The Context John 5:1-16 Still early in Jesus’ ministry He is in Jerusalem for a feast He visits the pool of Bethesda, a place filled with all manner of sickness. Probably a place with much hopelessness, poverty and filth.

John 5:1-16 (NKJV) 1  After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2  Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3  In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4  For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5  Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6  When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 7  The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." 8  Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk."

John 5:1-16 (NKJV) 9  And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10  The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed." 11  He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.'" 12  Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?" 13  But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14  Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." 15  The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16  For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.

The Context John 5:3-4, a place where people gathered for healing powers of the pool. Some versions (later mss.) record that an angel went down and stirred the waters and healed the first to step in the pools. Vs. 7 shows there was something about that place.

The Context John 5:5, there was a man who had an infirmity for 38 years, that affected his ability to move. He had been at this pool for some time. 5:6, Jesus finds him (of all the people there)

Was there something holding back the paralytic? The Context John 5:6, Jesus asks, “Do you want to be made well?” Why did He ask this? Why not just heal him, as He did on many occasions? Was there something holding back the paralytic?

John 5:7, The sick man answers, “I have no one to put me in the pool…” The Context John 5:7, The sick man answers, “I have no one to put me in the pool…” Notice his answer possibly shows hindrances, frustration, or defeat. He had “NO CLUE” at all who is the one talking to him.

John 5:8, Jesus heals him saying, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” The Context John 5:8, Jesus heals him saying, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” IMMEDIATELY, the man was made well and complied

The Context John 5:9-16, it was the Sabbath and Jesus had not revealed who He was to the man. Later, Jesus finds him in the temple and says, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

Do you want to be made well? Why did Jesus ask this question? We would think the answer is obvious – “Yes, please heal me right now!” BUT, could there have been some hesitation in the sick man’s answer?

Do you want to be made well? Being made well could mean: He would no longer be a beggar there His life would be changed and he would need to adapt He might need to take care of himself – provide for himself, etc.

Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! Many today live lives of mediocrity or even failure. Rather than change, they CHOOSE to remain in that condition – both physically and spiritually

Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! Some want to change, but not if it means they have to give up certain behaviors. Some want to change, but they want an easy path. They don’t want to do the work, make the sacrifices, etc.

Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! Some are seeking validation for their present condition, cf. Matt. 19:16-22, the rich, young ruler Some SAY they want change, but their actions betray them!

Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! “If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.” (Jim Rohn) How many today find excuses? Addictions, poor choices, misery, spiritual indifference, etc.

Do you REALLY want to be made well? Requires genuine change! John 5:39-40, Matt. 23:37 Are we willing to change? You have to make up your mind!

Do you REALLY want to be made well? Requires TRUE repentance! 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 Godly sorrow, a change of mind, and actions to prove that change of mind!

Do you REALLY want to be made well? A willingness to work at it! You have to want to change MORE than you want to stay where you are at!

Do you REALLY want to be made well? Take steps that will force change. “Take up your bed and walk” John 5:6 – LEAVE the area of that pool! Cf. Heb. 13:13 “Sin no more” John 5:14 There are some bridges we need to burn! Get rid of the weeds – Luke 8:14 Romans 6:12-14, Col. 3:5

Do you REALLY want to be made well? Don’t give up! When you stumble, get back up! Galatians 6:9 Hebrews 10:36, you have need of endurance

Do you REALLY want to be made well? Don’t let obstacles stop you Matt. 15:21-28, the Syro-Phonecian woman with a demon possessed daughter!

Do you REALLY want to be made well? TRUST in God! Turn to Him! 1 Cor. 10:13 Rom. 7:24-25, Heb. 13:5 Jesus is the one who can deliver us from our sins!

Making application! Do you REALLY want to “go on to perfection” this year? Do you want a greater faith? Do you want a stronger marriage? Do you want to overcome your struggles with sin?

Making application! Do you want a better attitude in your life? Do you want to be closer to your brethren? Then, “Take up your bed and walk”

Do You REALLY Want to Be Made Well?