If you don't get anything else from reading the Gospels, it's the understanding that Jesus loved to poke His finger in the eyes of the self-righteous. His favorite targets? The Pharisees. And they just kept coming back for more.
John 5:1-18 is a prime example of why Bible study is so important. I've read these verses over and over in my life and it wasn't until I read them for this study that they brought a whole new meaning to my life.
Of all the people that He could have chosen to speak with, Jesus chooses some guy who has been paralyzed for 38 years lying beside a pool that supposedly has healing properties. 38 years!
Jesus asks him a simple question: "Do you want to get well?" Really, it's a yes or no question. Not a whole lot of narrative needed.
What does the guy do? He whines about how he can't get any help to get in the pool and how others get in front of him. Seriously? You've been an invalid for 38 years and someone asks you if you want to get well and this is your response?
In my Bible (NIV Life Application Study Bible) the next two words Jesus speaks are practically yelled at the guy -- "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Guess what? The guy does exactly that. After being an invalid for 38 years he is cured with two words. Does he say "thank you"? No. He just walks off.
What's even better is when he runs into some of his Jewish friends, they don't even mention the fact that this guy who was paralyzed for 38 years is now up and walking around. What do they focus on -- the fact that the guy is carrying his mat on the Sabbath. Good grief. On top of that, the man who was healed points Jesus out.
The Jewish leadership confronts Jesus with the charge that He was -- gasp! -- helping folks on the Sabbath. Jesus, who doesn't deny this, goes so far as to call God His Father. He then pummels them with the logic of why He is the Son of God.
That whole thing pretty much seals the deal for Jesus and sets into motion God's plan that will culminate in the crucifixion. Jesus is pretty much calling the Pharisees out: You follow the law but you don't understand the spirit of the law.
So here's the life-altering moment for me.
I am the invalid.
How many times have I lain by the healing pool, complaining about my lot in life and not doing a thing to help myself? Now, Jesus, Lord and Savior, walks up to me and offers me Grace. Do I take it with the gratitude that such a life-giving gift deserves? No. I pick up my mat and walk off.
The good news? Jesus still loves you and me -- despite our ingratitude.
Amen.
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