What can we learn about faith from the man's healing in John 5:5? The scene at Bethesda “One man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years” (John 5:5). • A crowded pool, many sick people, yet Jesus singles out one long-suffering individual. • Thirty-eight years of paralysis had not erased the man’s capacity to hope; he was still at the pool, still waiting. Faith notices when Jesus notices • Jesus initiated the encounter (John 5:6). Faith begins when the Lord first looks on us (1 John 4:19). • The man’s attention shifted from the water to the Word standing in front of him. Faith redirects expectations from human remedies to Christ Himself (Psalm 62:5). Faith hears and obeys a seemingly impossible command Jesus said, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk” (John 5:8). • No gradual therapy—just a direct order. • Faith rests on God’s authority, not visible probability (Hebrews 11:1). • The man could have argued; instead, “immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and walked” (v. 9). Obedience became the evidence of faith (James 2:17). Faith receives wholeness, not just help • Thirty-eight years of impotence ended in an instant: strength, coordination, balance—all restored. • Jesus offers complete salvation, not partial relief (Acts 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Faith confronts opposition • The healed man faced critics objecting to him carrying a mat on the Sabbath (John 5:10). • Genuine faith will meet religious pushback, yet the transformation is undeniable (John 9:25). • Our allegiance stays with the One who spoke life, not with those who police tradition. Faith keeps listening after the miracle Later Jesus warns, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” (John 5:14). • The initial act of faith becomes a lifestyle of holiness (Titus 2:11-12). • Healing points to a deeper need: freedom from sin. Take-home reflections • No situation is too chronic for Christ; thirty-eight years are nothing to the Eternal One (2 Peter 3:8). • Jesus’ word carries the same power today (Matthew 24:35). • Obey first, explain later—faith acts while questions sort themselves out (Luke 17:14). • The greatest miracle is not legs that walk but souls that live (Ephesians 2:4-5). Faith lessons summarized 1. Faith starts when Christ calls. 2. Faith transfers trust from methods to the Master. 3. Faith obeys without delay. 4. Faith expects total transformation. 5. Faith stands firm amid criticism. 6. Faith continues in repentance and devotion. Let the man at Bethesda remind us: when Jesus speaks, paralysis—physical or spiritual—must yield to believing obedience. |
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