Would You Like to Get Well?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 19, 2024 | John 5:5-7

KEY VERSE:

When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?".  John 5:6 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In John 5:5-7, Jesus encounters a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years near the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked him a profound question: "Do you want to be well?" This question challenges us to examine our hearts and desires regarding healing and restoration. Jesus' question to the paralyzed man goes beyond a simple inquiry about physical healing. It delves into the deeper issue of the man's willingness to embrace wholeness and change in his life. It challenges us to consider our readiness for transformation and healing in various aspects of our lives.

At times, our greatest affliction isn't physical. Instead, this disease hides in our hearts. "Would you like to get well?" That's a much harder question to answer than meets the eye — when applied to our spiritual well-being. We might have to change. We might have to give up our excuses. We might have to adapt to different lifestyles. We might have to give up blaming others for our problems. We might have to take some responsibility for our conditions. Jesus posed the question because, in this instance, the man was afflicted with a real, physical ailment. As the man showed by the end of today's verses when he made an excuse, he wasn't ready to take responsibility for anything. What about us? Are we genuinely seeking healing, both spiritually and physically? Then we must approach Christ with openness, allowing the Holy Spirit to initiate transformation within us!

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Reflect on areas of your life where you may be resistant to change or healing. Are there fears or doubts that hinder your willingness to embrace wholeness? How can you release any burdens or struggles to Jesus, allowing Him to work in and through you? Reflect on how you would respond to Jesus' question, "Do you want to be well?" Consider areas in your life where you need to invite Jesus to bring healing and transformation.

PRAYER:

Father, I do want to be made well. I want to be saved and conformed to you through and through — body, soul, and spirit. I offer myself up to you to be changed so that I can be whole. I offer myself to be transformed to be more like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: GET WELL In John 5:6, the phrase "get well" in the NIV is translated from the Greek word "ὑγιής" (hygiēs), which means "sound," "whole," or "healthy." This word emphasizes the state of being free from illness or infirmity. Jesus speaks these words to the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda, offering him not only physical healing but also wholeness and restoration.

The Greek word "ὑγιής" is used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe physical health and well-being. For example, in Luke 7:10, it is used to describe the servant of the centurion who was healed by Jesus. Additionally, in 3 John 1:2, the Apostle John writes, "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."

This passage underscores the holistic nature of Jesus' healing ministry. Not only does he address physical ailments, but he also offers spiritual wholeness and restoration to those in need. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate his example by seeking the well-being of others in body, mind, and spirit.

Reflections:

How does Jesus' question, "Do you want to get well?" prompt us to reflect on our willingness to receive healing and restoration from Jesus, not only physically but also spiritually and emotionally?