1. Do You Want to Be Made Well? John 5:6

2. The Context John 5:1-16 Still early in Jesus’ ministry He is in Jerusalem for a feast He visits the pool of Bethesda, a place filled with all manner of sickness. Probably a place with much hopelessness, poverty and filth. Via Commons.wikimedia.org

3. The Context John 5:3-4, a place where people gathered for healing powers of the pool. Some versions (later mss.) record that an angel went down and stirred the waters and healed the first to step in the pools. Vs. 7 shows there was something about that place.

4. The Context John 5:5, there was a man who had an infirmity for 38 years, that affected his ability to move. He had been at this pool for some time. 5:6, Jesus finds him (of all the people there)

5. The Context John 5:6, Jesus asks, “Do you want to be made well?” Why did He ask this? Why not just heal him, as He did on many occasions? Was there something holding back the paralytic?

6. The Context John 5:7, The sick man answers, “I have no one to put me in the pool…” Notice his answer possibly shows hindrances, frustration, or defeat.

7. The Context John 5:8, Jesus heals him saying, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” IMMEDIATELY, the man was made well and complied

8. The Context John 5:9-16, it was the Sabbath and Jesus had not revealed who He was to the man. Later, Jesus finds him in the temple and says, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

9. Do you want to be made well? Why did Jesus ask this question? We would think the answer is obvious – “Yes, please heal me right now!” BUT, could there have been some hesitation in the sick man’s answer?

10. Do you want to be made well? Being made well could mean: He would no longer be a beggar there His life would be changed and he would need to adapt He might need to take care of himself – provide for himself, etc.

11. Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! Many today live lives of mediocrity or even failure. Rather than change, they CHOOSE to remain in that condition – both physically and spiritually

12. Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! Some want to change, but not if it means they have to give up certain behaviors. Some want to change, but they want an easy path. They don’t want to do the work, make the sacrifices, etc.

13. Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! Some are seeking validation for their present condition, cf. Matt. 19:16-22, the rich, young ruler Some SAY they want change, but their actions betray them!

14. Do you want to be made well? NOT all want to be made well! “If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.” (Jim Rohn) How many today find excuses? Addictions, poor choices, misery, spiritual indifference, etc.

15. Do you REALLY want to be made well? Requires genuine change! John 5:39-40, Matt. 23:37 Are we willing to change? You have to make up your mind!

16. Do you REALLY want to be made well? Requires TRUE repentance! 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 Godly sorrow, a change of mind, and actions to prove that change of mind!

17. Do you REALLY want to be made well? A willingness to work at it! You have to want to change MORE than you want to stay where you are at!

18. Do you REALLY want to be made well? Take steps that will force change. “Take up your bed and walk” John 5:6 – LEAVE the area of that pool! Cf. Heb. 13:13 “Sin no more” John 5:14 There are some bridges we need to burn! Get rid of the weeds – Luke 8:14 Romans 6:12-14, Col. 3:5

19. Do you REALLY want to be made well? Don’t give up! When you stumble, get back up! Galatians 6:9 Hebrews 10:36, you have need of endurance

20. Do you REALLY want to be made well? Don’t let obstacles stop you Matt. 15:21-28, the Syro- Phonecian woman with a demon possessed daughter!

21. Do you REALLY want to be made well? TRUST in God! Turn to Him! 1 Cor. 10:13 Rom. 7:24-25, Heb. 13:5 Jesus is the one who can deliver us from our sins!

22. Making application! Do you REALLY want to “go on to perfection” this year? Do you want a greater faith? Do you want a stronger marriage? Do you want to overcome your struggles with sin?

23. Making application! Do you want a better attitude in your life? Do you want to be closer to your brethren? Then, “Take up your bed and walk”

24. Do You REALLY Want to Be Made Well?