John 5:9-16

John 5:9-16 The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.

Jesus walked into the paralytic man's life, to heal his infirmity, to make him whole. In his second encounter with the man, Jesus reached into his life, saying: Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you. In other words, "Sweep your house clean, put aside the flesh and all its acts." The story reveals this man's selfish will when he faults others for not helping him to the pool and for getting in his way when the waters did stir. In the temple while questioned about breaking the Law of the Sabbath, he shifts the blame to Jesus: The man who made me well said to me, "Pick up your mat and walk." Jesus did give him those instruction; yet the paralytic seems more concerned about facing judgment than about emphasizing the miracle of walking after thirty-eight years. By first casting blame on others and then directly upon Jesus, he avoided looking at his own life. With full understanding of this man, Jesus confronts who he is, instructing him to take control of his life, to seek good rather than evil lest a worse thing come upon him. Jesus did not say that his sinful inclinations caused his infirmity; but He did imply that a decadent lifestyle leads to destruction. The wages of sin is death--in this world and the next.

Some Christians conclude from this account that sick people bring about their physical ailments because of open or hidden sin in their lives. If a person suffers from a chronic illness, becomes paralyzed in an accident, or lies dying with cancer; that individual's sin or the sins of close relative must have "caused" the affliction. Fully dedicated and loving believers facing the pain and limitations of a progressive or terminal disease often also face the judgment of those who should aid and comfort them with songs, scriptures, and encouraging words. As if the burden of an unending disability were not enough, they are told to take ownership for their sicknesses. Christian "comforters," usually healthy ones, come along side the suffering with advice: "You know, I have this book, 'The Five Steps to Health,' and it says if people with your problem eat right, think positively, and exercise religiously, they get well." Others are much more forthright: "Why are you sick? There must be sin or a lack of faith in your life."

During my wife Jacqueline's over 30 years of trusting God with numerous physical ailments, well-meaning Christian friends have told her to examine her life so God can reveal the sin behind her sickness. Others have implied if she would believe in miracles or have more faith, she would be healed. She graciously listens and declares her faith in miracles, rejoicing in the many times God has spared her life and the joy and peace He brings in all situations as she trusts him. Years ago, God gave her a little song of faith and hope: "If not today, then on the morrow. If not tonight, with morning sun. For I have sought a touch from Jesus, and I know, yes I know He'll make me whole." She also has tried just about every home remedy or sustained vitamin regimen her close friends have offered, insisting their new idea was her panacea for good health: mega-doses of vitamins (the gift of a year's supply of Amway products), special mixtures with healing powers, wheat grass water, garlic tablets, glucosamine, melatonin, and the list goes on. We both wish any or all of these remedies would have cured her. But we believe the greatest miracle of all is not being set free from all pain and sorrow but in living by faith through the vicissitudes of life, looking to Christ as Redeemer, Lord, and King.

The paralytic was not lame for thirty-eight years because of his sin. His suffering was the product of this sinful world where bad things happen to people, even Christians. Numerous scriptures tell us life is full of trials, sorrows, and pain. We are all susceptible to sickness or suffering; some of us have a flawed genetic make-up; yet all of us are called to follow Jesus by faith. There is a time to live and a time to die. Keeping healthy, eating right, and exercising remain excellent choices for us, but they are not our answer to eternal life. These activities don't stop the aging process or spare us from calamities. We all get wrinkles in the process; we do not have the vitality of our youth at sixty or seventy. Every generation passes away, and our bodies return to dust. We should not judge those who suffer. This is our proclamation of hope: Jesus Lives, and because He lives, we live also. He won the victory over death and the grave. We arise with him in newness of life, now and for eternity. Pray for, encourage, and comfort the sick and dying among you. Keep your eyes on eternal things and seek God's kingdom. As you bless and serve others in his name, they will say, "I was sick and you comforted me. . ." Just before my father passed at eighty-nine, he was so ill and his tongue was so swollen that he could barely communicate, yet with hands raised to heaven, he praised God in the midst of every conversation. This is faith! Whether sick or well: praise the Lord!