Journal entry for December 12, 2025

Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thity-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "do you want to be made well?" John 5:5-6

Do you want to be made well? Father, the answer to that question seems obvious. Because of where the man was laying he obviously had a desire to be made well. So Jesus was asking something much deeper.

Almost every time I go to Walmart the same beggar is sitting on a bucket holding up a sign asking for money. In the heat of summer or the cold of winter he's there. I've often wondered if he were given the genuine opportunity to have a place to live and a steady income if he would take the offer.

I want to say of course he would. But in a sense, isn't that my state as well Lord. Aren't I just a beggar? How many times have you told me to believe but it would require me stepping outside of my identity. Of who I've become comfortable in being. We all have deeper needs than what our physical needs are.

Jesus was asking a deeper question because true wellness, being made whole, doesn't just involve fixing a physical situation. So often even if the known is less than desirable, we choose it over the fear of the unknown. Having faith requires an action that often moves us out of our comfort zone.

For 38 years this man knew where he would be, he knew who he was. Now someone was asking him if he wanted a complete new identity. If he wanted to be made whole physically and spiritually. Father if I'm honest, there are times I just desire you to change my circumstances or even something within my circumstances without asking me to change. Without asking me too step out of the boat and walk on water. Even in the middle of the storm there's a certain comfort in the boat.

Jesus knew that being healed would disrupt this man's familiar life as a beggar, potentially ending his income and community role, so He sought his consent to change everything.

Father what a beautiful picture of grace, mercy, and man's free will. I think of Revelation 3:20 which says Jesus stands at the door of the heart knocking, whoever opens the door… thank you for being so willing to heal, to make us whole, to show us Your grace and mercy if we will just respond like the crippled man. Lord I am not able…

All Jesus needed was a believing heart and the acknowledgment that he wanted that which he was unable to obtain. What a beautiful question...Do you want to be made well. YES Lord. YES. In Jesus name YES.