A Spiritual Healing - John 5:1-15

Too often we only go as far as making sure that those around us are physically well. Once we see that they appear to be well, we are often satisfied; however, Jesus calls us to go deeper and to focus on one’s spiritual health. Take a moment and pray with God; ask him to show you ways in which you haven’t gone deep enough with others, that he would transform us to become followers of Christ who truly care for others, and that we would yearn to take after the example that God sets.

Now read John 5: 1-15, The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath.

In Jerusalem, Jesus is at the pool called Bethesda. It was believed to have waters that were stirred by angels, and that the first person to enter the waters would be healed; thus, sick men would gather by this pool. When Jesus sees a man who has been an invalid for 38 years, Jesus tells him to take up his bed and walk, and the man does. The invalid does not argue with Jesus or claim his words to be preposterous, but he puts his faith in this man whom he does not even know. For us today, it is extremely hard to put our absolute faith in God; though we know how great he is, we still often express doubt. James 2:14-26 talks about how faith alone will die out, and in verse 26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Faith is alive, and cannot stand-alone. How have you been doubtful of God recently? Take some time and pray with God that he would fill you with the Holy Spirit and an alive and unwavering faith in him, but that you would also seek him out.

Later on in this passage, Jesus meets with the healed man in private and informs him that it was he, Jesus, who healed him. He doesn’t only do that though, he also says in verse 14, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man was physically well, but was still hurting spiritually. He didn’t have God’s forgiveness. But Jesus cares for him spiritually, and calls him to sin no more and to proclaim the truth.

It is interesting to note that Jesus doesn’t make a spectacle of his healing of the man. He does it discretely. We see this throughout the bible in Matthew 9:27-31 (Jesus Heals the Blind and the Mute), and in Mark 2:40-45 (Jesus Heals a man with Leprosy). Instead of appealing to the people and their idea of a strong leader, Jesus follows God’s plan, and lives to bring glory to the Father, and not himself.

Now meditate on how your spiritual well being. Is it alive and well, as God wants it to be? Spend some time in prayer asking God to guide you towards becoming more alive spiritually and for consistency. Also, reflect on how you can become more of a support for others spiritually more so than physically. Finally, ask God to show you how he is calling you to live as Jesus lived a life that he was called to by the Father, and not by man.