“The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, ‘Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.’” (John 5:13-14 NLT)
Do you realize that every time you choose your will over God’s you sin? Sin isn’t simply doing something wrong, in terms of an activity or action. No, sin begins in the mind, it starts with how we think. Right actions follow right thinking and vice versa.
The verses above are referring to the man who had laid by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years and was healed by Jesus. Because Jesus had instructed him to: “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” the Pharisees were all over the healed man to give them information about Jesus. At first, the man didn’t know, because Jesus had blended into the crowd, but don’t miss this, even before the man went to the Pharisees to rat Jesus out, Jesus spoke to him the words in the above verse.
What does that tell us? Jesus doesn’t need to hear his words or ours in order to know what’s in our heart. But it also tells us that we can have a serious and obvious encounter with Jesus and still not know who He is. Can you even begin to imagine what it would have been like to lie on a mat for 38 years hoping to be able to get into a pool you are hoping will heal you?
In my mind’s eye I envision the man over time just losing heart and giving up. At first he no doubt remained positive, assuring himself: “I’ll be first the next time. I’ve got this. For sure the next time.” But the next time comes and goes, and the next time, and the next for 38 years. How do you spell “HOPELESS?”
Then one day Jesus shows up. It’s a day like any other, but for some reason everything is different. This Rabbi, this smiling, gentle Teacher isn’t going to someone else, He’s standing over ME! It’s hard to make out His features because of the sun and the glare of the water, but it’s true! He’s asking me “Would you like to be well?”
You’d think the first word out of his mouth would be “YES! A THOUSAND TIMES YES!” but it isn’t. His words reflect, not only what in his mind is his hopeless physical condition, but his deteriorated mental and emotional state: “I can’t, sir.” But that doesn’t deter Jesus one bit. He tells the man to pick up his mat and walk, then continues on his way.
Do you find that odd? I think of the leper, the blind man, and others whom Jesus hugged and with whom He celebrated. Why did He walk away? Remember, this area was literally flooded with sick people, but Jesus wasn’t there for all of them, just this man. Did He love the others less? Of course not, but they weren’t His mission in this instance.
Jesus’ focus was this specific man and his specific need. And I’m convinced healing his body was secondary to His real mission – to see this man become His follower; to allow the Spirit of the living God to invade his heart and change his life, but that, from all outward indications, didn’t happen. Was his sin too great for Jesus to forgive? Of course not, but that has to be the man’s desire. Jesus doesn’t make us follow Him or force us to receive forgiveness.
What about you? Have you been “healed” in some significant way, but you’re still following the dictates of your own heart and mind? Have you had an encounter with Jesus, but your life is still the same? Please don’t make the same mistake the man in the story made. Don’t let Jesus walk away before you grab Him and confess your need of Him and yield your life and allegiance to Him.
If you’re not certain you’re walking with Jesus, please click this link and let your heart know for sure: Ron Huchcraft’s Bridge to God.
Unforgiven sin is the cancer that will eat you alive – in this life and the next!
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 