“Do You Want to be Healed?”
In John’s Gospel, the writer tells the story of a healing at the Pool of Bethesda, a special place known for its healing powers. Jesus goes there and encounters a man who was an invalid for almost 40 years. Jesus asks him a simple question, “Do you want to get well?” It seems an odd question, given the context: a sick man spending all his time in a place renowned for healing. However, the man’s response is not an immediate, “Yes!” Instead, he recites a litany of reasons why he hasn’t been healed. Jesus asks the right question because it reveals the man’s heart, his discouragement, twisted identity, and, perhaps, even lack of a genuine desire for healing. In his message, Pastor Russell plumbs the depths of this story to find fresh encouragement for us, those who also need healing. Along with Russell, we discover that Jesus is real and He still heals.