Today in our reading of John 5:1-29, I am humbly reminded of God’s grace. Grace that I do not deserve. This story today of the lame man who was healed, points us directly to Jesus.
Jesus said…”Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
John 5:8-9
This lame man met Jesus at the pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” The man had an opportunity to say, “Yes!” and to be healed by Jesus, but instead, the man put his faith in the healing waters of the pool. He complained that the other people always cut in front of him when the waters are stirred.
The sick man answered, “Sir, there’s no way I can get healed, for I have no one to lower me into the water when the angel comes. As soon as I try to crawl to the edge of the pool, someone else jumps in ahead of me.”
John 5:7
Oh how I hear my voice in this man’s words! This man feels that there is no way he can possibly get to the water first. How often do we feel defeated and see no possible way out of our circumstances? This man had an excuse for Jesus and did not receive the offer of healing that Jesus was offering. So many times I am sure I pass up opportunities that are presented to me. I find it easier to complain and blame others for my problems.
But, this story shows us that healing is not about us! It is about Jesus! Even though the man didn’t respond to Jesus in faith, Jesus STILL healed him. Even though the man complained, Jesus STILL gave him the ability to walk.
Jesus chooses to heal us, even though we may not deserve it. This is the same with salvation. The source of our salvation is never based on our own actions or works; it is always by the grace of God. It is never about us. It is always about HIM. He chose us and continues to choose us over and over again.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
John 15:16