“Sir,” the sick man answered, “I don’t have a man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, someone goes down ahead of me.”
“Get up,” Jesus told him, “pick up your mat and walk!”
It strikes me that the paralyzed man doesn’t really answer Jesus’ question. He seems to avoid dealing directly with the question and provides a more political type, evasive answer. I don’t know why other than maybe he has been stuck for so long and feels so dependent upon the help of another to get him to the water that he has lost hope of ever making this happen. He cannot do it himself and there is simply no one around who is available and willing to help.
It also strikes me that Jesus heals him immediately anyway. Jesus knows what is best for this man and, it seems safe to assume, knows the deepest longings of this man beyond his loss of hope and his inability. Jesus knows this man desires to walk again so He makes it happen. Honestly, Jesus has the power to make it happen regardless of the paralyzed man’s perspective. He can heal when He chooses and in this case, He chooses and this man is the beneficiary.
Jesus knows us at the deepest level. He alone knows what is best for us even beyond what we think we know about ourselves. I cannot articulate the full ramifications of this fact because truly I cannot even fathom such. I simply take great peace in understanding that He knows me and my needs at a level beyond even what I realize and that He loves me anyway and heals in me what He knows is best. It produces in me a deep, fearful respect for who Jesus is and gratitude for His great love and grace.
Heal me Lord Jesus as You see fit. Grant me the faith and endurance to walk with You always.
Ventanas 