Jesus, the Divine Healer

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’

At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked” (Jn 5:8-9).

The pool near the Sheep Gate was apparently known for its healing power. The sick and handicapped would gather in the crowded colonnades, hoping for a chance to find healing for their aching broken bodies. Only when the water was stirred was healing to be expected, and then only for the first person into the pool. The expectation was great, the porches were full, and many despaired of being able to reach the water on time.

An Astounding Command

Jesus came upon the pool and saw the suffering crowd. He spotted the most needy among them and had compassion. This man was particularly to be pitied. He had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Maybe he came from far away and had been dreaming of this day in Jerusalem for most of his life. He was lying down on his mat and his condition was clearly visible (v 6). The man also told Jesus that there was no one to help him get to the water on time. All this suggests that the man can move only very slowly. He cannot walk normally, probably due to paralysis or polio. Under the circumstances, Jesus’ command is quite astounding, and the lame man’s response maybe even more so. Jesus does not offer to sit with the man and help him when the waters stir. He simply tells him to get up and walk, the one thing that the man is clearly unable to do. There is divine power in that command. The man arises without hesitation, and does that which could never be done. There is no doubt about this unknown stranger, no timidity, but full and serene consciousness to carry out the command of the Lord. The man walks and even carries his mat.

A Crucial Question

What Christ did physically for this man, He is ready and willing to do spiritually for each member of the human family. Sin has rendered us broken and unwilling to live righteously. We cannot help ourselves to spiritual healing—the pool is hopelessly out of reach. Only Christ can help us regain our wholeness. But there is one question that Jesus asks us first, “Do you want to get well?” (v 6). This is not a rhetoric question, but one that each sinner must ask himself. If we are willing to be healed, He is certainly willing and able to help us.

Body and Soul

The Bible also speaks of physical healing. Again and again, God reveals Himself as the Healer of His people. “I am the Lord, who heals you,” he declares shortly after the deliverance from Egypt (Ex 15:26). Twelve centuries later He affirms, “I the Lord do not change” (Ma 3:6). Perhaps you are labouring under some sickness, some spiritual and physical oppression, some burden from which the Lord would gladly release you. Have you thought about calling on Him? Consider the simplicity of David’s words, “I called to you for help and you healed me” (Ps 30:2). Sometimes we overlook that which is simple and close at hand. Why not take your case to God today? I have done it many times, and He has healed me. I believe He will do the same for you.

- Dr. Joseph Chavady

(Dr. Joseph Chavady has been serving as an evangelist and pastor for the past 35 years. He is currently the president of One to one International, a mission organization that supports evangelists and pastors who reach the unreached. Dr. Chavady travels extensively in Asia, Europe, and North America as an advocate of the vitally important role of missions in the life of the church. (www.121intl.org.)

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