Where Are We Placing Our Trust?

How should we respond to God's action in our lives?

In the fifth chapter of John’s Gospel, we learn of a man who was unable to walk for thirty-eight years. This man, we are told, would lay on his mat next to a pool in Jerusalem among others who were blind, lame, or paralyzed. It was believed that those suffering from a disability would be healed if they were the first to enter the pool when the water was stirred. In this context, Jesus approached the man and asked him if he wanted to get well. 

“Sir,” the disabled man replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me. 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.”

—John 5:7-9

This section of John’s Gospel challenges us as Christians in a number of ways. Consider what we learn from the man’s miraculous healing and his response.

The Pool

It is difficult to appreciate what it is like to be captive to a disability lasting for thirty-eight long years. However, it is certain that disabilities like what this man endured will dictate how one’s life is defined. The prospects of work, marriage, future family, health, and friends will be greatly influenced by the lack of independence. The man was forced to depend upon family or friends and so many of his life decisions were under the dark cloud of the disability. Yet, he had at least one hope: the pool and the belief in its power to heal was for this man all that he needed. 

When Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed, he did not respond by saying, ‘Yes, please heal me.’ Instead, he told Jesus he just needed assistance getting into the pool. Entering the stirred water would transform the man’s life, so he believed. He just needed Jesus–or anyone else–to help him. The pool was his hope for being whole. 

Is it possible that we have our own “pool” that we believe will transform our lives? Perhaps you have in mind certain things that you feel would transform your life if only you could get some assistance to do it yourself? Perhaps even your prayer life reflects the power of your “pool” and you find yourself asking God to help you get those things? Like the disabled man, we can often place our hope or confidence in something other than Jesus himself. 

The Miracle 

It is noteworthy that John informs us that there were many in need who placed themselves around the pool. Yet, it is only this one man that is approached and we are not given any additional information. It was in this context that the healing miracle was conveyed by a simple three-part directive: “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”

Later, when the religious leaders learned that the man was healed by Jesus on the Sabbath, they complained that the act of mercy was an offense. In fact, they wanted to kill him because they believed he was claiming to be God (John 5:18). Jesus simply spoke and the man was instantly healed. 

The apostle Peter would later inform his listeners that such a miracle was a means of demonstrating Christ’s deity (Acts 2:22, 36). The one who by his word created heaven and earth and was before all things and holds all things together (Colossians 1:15) instantly transformed this man’s life. What form of a response would be expected when God has transformed your life?

The Response

The healed man did exactly what Jesus instructed. According to the passage he never expressed any form of appreciation or thanks. Is it possible that we too are slow in expressing appreciation for God’s work of grace in our lives? While we may not have experienced the miracle of healing, God’s grace and mercy is still abundant. God is present in every aspect of our lives through his Holy Spirit. God speaks to us through his word which directs our hearts, minds, words, and actions. His love never ends. 

It is therefore always appropriate to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6). For us as Christians who are daily recipients of God’s love and kindness there is always to be a response of worship and praise. 

Chuck Garriott is the Founder and Executive Director of Ministry to State.