WHOLENESS IN JESUS
John 5:5 & 6
5.And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6.When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
In His sojourn on earth, Jesus has always been moved with much compassion, as He encountered the physical pain and mental anguish endured by the myriad of people. After meeting with Jesus, the sick experienced miraculous healing that was only possible with the Great Physician. In verse 6, Jesus saw the man lying. The man's physical disability had arrested his mobility. Therefore, he was only able to lie. Verse 5 informs that he had been confined to that position for thirty-eight years.
What a painful experience! Jesus saw him and knew that he had been there a long time. It is noteworthy that when Jesus saw him, He did not ignore the man's condition. Rather, He acted. Jesus asked the man a very pointed question, "Wilt thou be made whole?" It was crystal clear that the man's infirmity, his physical weakness and ailment had greatly caused his brokenness and his debilitation. When Jesus asked the thought-provoking question, "Do you want to be healed?", Jesus wanted the feeble, frail man to realize; to acknowledge and accept that He, Jesus has the power of restoration. Jesus wanted the man to exercise his faith and power of choice to receive the healing that was available from the Life-giver.
There may be spiritual, physical, emotional, social, or even psychological situations that have plagued us over the years. Jesus is still in the business of restoration and healing. Like the infirmed man in our verses of focus, we have decisions to make that will rid us of our physical ailments; of our psychological and emotional brokenness; and of our spiritual infirmities. Jesus is our Mender; He is our Healer; and He is our Saviour. He has made every provision to reclaim us; to revive us; and to redeem us.
Jesus makes an offer to us that we must not refuse. However, the decision rests with us. Jesus is still saying, "Wilt thou be made whole?"