Key Texts: John 5: 1 – 17; Matthew 9: 1 – 8
Additional Texts: Hebrews 11; Matthew 17: 20; 2 Corinthians 5: 7; Mark 9: 23; Ephesians 2: 8 – 9; James 1: 5 – 8
The ‘Show and Tell’ series explores various ways in which Jesus, (often with frankness), showed and told us essential truths through His earthly ministry.
In this entry, His blunt, yet caring approach to healing indicates faith skills we may learn from Him; His interaction with the weak, disabled men in the key texts during His earthly ministry reinforces His teaching about faith.
I could probably get away with saying that almost every follower of Jesus (as well as those who don’t share our beliefs), has a need – perhaps something that presents an unmistakable challenge. I am not referring to basic needs which we have the resources to meet, but rather those pressing ones in need of divine intervention due to uncontrollable circumstances. Though we exercise faith and believe for answered prayers, there are times when it seems our faith, prayers and even fasting are insufficient and things may never change. In such times, even Christians (perhaps even with all good intentions), sometimes observe and judge, condemn or criticise what they deem a lack of faith as the reason for unresolved circumstances. When we face such situations, it exacerbates the pain of the experience; it is more difficult to remain hopeful when those around us respond as if we are responsible for the malady.
In like manner, it seems on the surface that Jesus’ blunt question to the paralysed man is slightly insensitive, and I have heard many sermons in which the disabled man is portrayed as lazy, unproductive and unwilling to engage in his healing. I have even heard the ‘joke’ about him having a ‘lame excuse’! Whereas I can understand why he may have been held responsible for his condition, (we sometimes face consequences for our choices), I also consider whether he had some hope as he returned to the pool (which they believed to have healing powers) yearly, hoping he would get the help he needed. Regardless (he may/may not have been responsible), he had a dire need for mobility and Jesus’ recognition of his need highlights His compassion, even if He seemed blunt.
Jesus is omniscient, and it seems like whenever He/God asked a question in the Bible, it was purely rhetorical – for the audience. Study a few examples of this (Genesis 3: 9 and 13; Ezekiel 37: 1 – 4; Isaiah 6: 1 – 8; Job 38: 1 – 4; Jonah 4: 1 – 4; 1 Kings 19: 1 – 10). It seems that in each situation, He wanted to either reestablish/establish, affirm/reaffirm identity , promote faith and reveal His power – not to insult the hearer or damage their faith. It is simply not in His loving nature to do so (John 3: 16; Matthew 11: 28; Jeremiah 31; 3; 1 Peter 5: 7). He already knew the answers to the questions He asked, but perhaps wanted a profession of faith from the man. Perhaps He sensed that the man’s faith may have wavered over the years. Perhaps He wanted him in faith, to verbalise his need to God instead of focusing on his limitations – we are only human, and when we are overwhelmed, our limitations may become more glaring than our hope!
Regardless of His reason for the rhetorical question: ‘Do you want to get well?’, the key texts reveal that Jesus offered healing to the paralysed man, as He does for you and I. After listening to the man’s retort, Jesus did not engage in a battle of wits or a debate about semantics. He had a brief conversation with the man and authoritatively, commanded Him to ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ The man was healed instantly, but would not have experienced it fully if he continued to sit on the mat. He had to participate in his healing! Without his actions in response to Jesus’ input, he would have been at the pool in year 39 and beyond, seeking help for something he could have experienced freedom from.
We are unable to do the impossible. We are unable to experience healing or deliverance in this life, if God has a plan that is different to what we expect. However, we are able, (regardless of how challenging it may be), to seek God (including through the wisdom He gives through others), to know when our participation in our deliverance is needed. In Hebrews 11 – (the ‘Hall of Fame of Faith’), there are numerous accounts of faith in action, much of which produced results which glorified God. Equally, there are those who did not see the promises materialise in their lifetime, but in faith, participated to the best of their ability to realise their visions. It is sometimes impossible to do anything to move God’s plan along, but Jesus’ candidness in the texts reminds us of our need to reaffirm our faith, relationship with Him and identity. The manifestations of such faith may vary, but ultimately, faith itself is active and participatory in nature. This may mean believing God’s promises and living as if He is truthful, and at other times, doing what is needed / exercising faith in action.
Faith in action may be tangible like the man in the text’s actions. For us it may mean making healthier choices, or seeking and following medical advice; as my mother told me years ago, God may heal us directly or through medicine. It may mean making better financial decisions if you desire a financial breakthrough. The list is endless and indeed personal. At other times, it may be intangible – for example, by demonstrating forgiveness or growth in an area which God has nudged you about. Regardless, participate – demonstrate faith in action, and as I said in the previous entry, God will do what only He can do.
Why not talk to God today about your faith in general or any areas where you feel He wants you to be more active in your faith? I completely understand – sometimes faith feels weak, especially if like the man in the text, the circumstances seem unending. Thirty-eight years is a long time to face an issue! The disabled man went to the pool yearly, hoping its healing powers would incite his healing. Instead of experiencing healing through an object with perceived or real healing powers, his quest led to an encounter with a greater source that changed his trajectory physically and spiritually, after he trusted Jesus’ words. Regardless of your doubts, disappointment or discouragement, try talking to Him for a few seconds, a minute or five today. Like the man in the text, you may be on the verge of an encounter with Him that actually affords you more than you desire from Him. Some of our challenges may be resolved only by divine intervention, or a combination of divine intervention and participation. Only you and God know the intricacies. We know we can trust our lives to Him, but He often requires obedience before progression. Has He told you to do something that you’ve ignored or delayed? Could that be the reason for unanswered prayers? God is mysterious and I would never seek to explain all His methods or reduce Him to only having a handful of means for deliverance – He alone knows His plans for you, whether His answer is yes, no or wait (until His timing and/or you’re mature enough to handle the answer). However, if He has given you a word that includes a condition, participate! Start by talking Him today. He hears.
Heartfelt Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your counsel and request for me to participate in my deliverance. Only You understand the situation and how significantly my life has been affected by it. Please guide me about how to respond in a way that glorifies You, and give me courage to follow through and play my role in my deliverance as you have already directed, or will direct me henceforth. I ask these mercies in Your Son’s, Jesus’ name. Amen.
