Just to the north of the Temple in Jerusalem, there’s a gate in the eastern wall called the “Sheep Gateâ€. This was where they would bring in the animals destined for sacrifice in the Temple. Near this gate was a facility with a large pool and places for people to hang out. The place was called “Bethesdaâ€, or “House of Mercyâ€. The rumor was that miracles happened there. Supposedly an angel would come by from time to time, stir up the water, and the first one in the pool was healed. You can imagine the great numbers of hurting people that hung out there. Jesus walked passed many of the crowd to pay particular attention to one man who had been sick for almost forty years. I don’t know what kinds of things you might say to this fellow, but Jesus asked him a question, one that might be thought of as insensitive. He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?†(John 5:6) When the man offered his excuse that no one was there to help him, Jesus simply told him to pick up his bed and walk.
There are all sorts of places we go to for healing. Doctors, hospitals, counselors, friends, even church. I guess I should probably be a little insensitive and ask you the same question Jesus asked, “Do you want to be made well?â€Â How serious are you about things changing? After all, sometimes illness has it’s advantages. Sometimes I get stuck in my excuses and can’t see where the real answer lies. I wonder why nobody will help me into the magic waters. Dear hurting one, real mercy, real answers begin with Jesus. Other people may eventually help in the solution, but Jesus says to you, “Take up your bed and walkâ€. You take action. Respond to Jesus.