Devotion
The question nobody wants to answer
“When Jesus saw him lying there and realized he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to get well?" - John 5:6 (CSB)”
Of all the things Jesus could have said, He asks a question. Not "what happened to you." Not "who did this." He asks the man what he wants.
Jesus is not gathering information. He already knows. The question is for the man, not for Jesus. A question like that exposes things a healing never would. It exposes desire, because after thirty-eight years you might not want it anymore. It exposes identity, because if the mat goes, who are you? It exposes responsibility, because a healed man has to get a job, make choices, own his life. Jesus asks because He is preparing the man's heart for something deeper than working legs.
Practice
Sit with the question today as if Jesus asked you directly, using your actual name and your actual wound. "Do you want to be well?" Do not answer fast. Fast answers are usually the polite ones. If part of you does not want to be well, say that to God today. He can work with an honest no far better than a dishonest yes.
Prayer
Lord, You are asking me a question and I want to answer it honestly. Part of me wants to be well and part of me is scared of what that would cost. I bring both parts to You. Make me willing where I am not. Amen.
This Week’s Message
This devotion follows along with this week’s message.