The Greeks thought that the natural springs at the pool of Bethesda had miraculous healing powers. When the underground springs stirred the pool, the sick would rush to enter it, hoping to find healing. The paralyzed man in this passage had miserable health and a misplaced hope. Over the course of thirty-eight years, he’d probably lain there hoping against hope that the next time he entered the pool, he would be healed. He’d probably made it in a few times and still wasn’t well. After so long, his muscles had probably withered away. So when Jesus asked him such a basic question with such an obvious answer, “Would you like to get well?” the man couldn’t even answer directly. He’d lost hope of being truly helped. Jesus asked that question so the paralyzed man would know that what was about to happen was all Him—not mineral springs, myths, or traditions. Jesus didn’t need any of that fluff. He simply told the man, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” And he did! The man put his hope in Jesus and was healed. It seems almost too simple. Jesus told the man to walk, and he walked. There were no complicated directions to follow, no rituals to perform. How often do we, too, fail to grasp the simplicity of walking with Jesus?

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

Jesus’s question to the man seemed obvious. What do you think the man was pondering in this conversation?

Why would he trust Jesus so quickly and without question?

Are there any areas in which you are struggling to trust Jesus? If so, pray about them now, asking Him to help you release your cares to Him.