Check out the following cartoon I found (I couldn’t help help but to laugh):
(Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc – www.reverendfun.com)
The Gospel text from John 5:1-9 ends in a way that makes me smile. Jesus is talking to a crippled man by a healing pool outside the city gate and asks a very usual question, "Do you want to be made well?" I mean, seriously, want kind of question is that. But the guy’s answer is just as curious. He doesn’t come out and say, "Yes, of course I do". The crippled man goes into an explanation of why he has not managed to get himself healed. Basically, a long way to say , "Yes". After the man’s needless explanation, Jesus says, "Stand up, take your mat and walk" The man got up and walked away. Then the Gospel writer says (emphasis mine) "Now THAT day was a Sabbath." And let me tell you…THAT was a sabbath day. It was a sabbath day like nothing anyone had ever seen before. What a sabbath day.
I wonder what the church would be like if people today said something like that. I am not expecting people to say, "Whew…what a sabbath day…that sermon was something else, wasn’t it?" I am sure this is a fantasy for nearly every pastor. But what I am talking about is people saying, "Whew…what a sabbath day…my sins are forgiven. Can you believe that?" People just don’t seem to care about forgiveness. Maybe it is my vantage point that is skewing my vision, but people today seem to take forgiveness for granted. What can we as preachers do about that?
Imagine being at that pool outside the city gate the day Jesus showed up. As you watch the scene you notice Jesus talking to a man who has been crippled for 38 years. You can’t hear the conversation but the next thing you notice — the man is walking. Wouldn’t that get your attention? If you were the one healed, wouldn’t you say "Now let me tell you, THAT was a sabbath day"?
God’s forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ is amazing. We are totally unworthy of God’s forgiveness yet Jesus says to us, "Stand up, take your mat and go home." My friends THAT is amazing. After you leave worship next time, think back. Think about your sinfulness. Think about the fact that you are unworthy. Think about the fact that on our own we are lost and hopeless. Then remember the words of the worship leader speaking on behalf of Christ, "Your sins are forgiven". I don’t know about you, but THAT is something. Praise God always and forever. Amen! -edh-
The Heart of a Pastor 
Hey, I think that I know people who don’t want to be healed. There’s a woman in my church…..
What would she have to talk about if she were healed?
“What would she have to talk about if she were healed?” — How about Jesus Christ and the healing power that is found there in.
[It sounds like you are saying this with a grin on your face — but in case you are serious…] This sounds like a woman who is seeking attention and wants to be healed but has a funny way of showing it. Healing comes in many forms besides physical. I am in no position to give advice since I do not know the situation, but I believe that everyone seeks “healing” in someway or another. It’s just that not everyone comes right out and asks for it.
Thank for stopping by and for the comment. Take care.
Eric
Now THAT was a post. I have always loved this story because of the irony. A crippled man encountering Jesus and Jesus asking him does he wantto be made well.
This is a man who is stuck, just like so many people are stuck today, and don’t know how to get free. Fortunately Christ knows just where and how we are stuck, and gives us the power to take up our mat.
Hi David,
“This is a man who is stuck, just like so many people are stuck today, and don’t know how to get free. Fortunately Christ knows just where and how we are stuck, and gives us the power to take up our mat”. So true, so true.
These people who are stuck and don’t know how to get free, often times turn to other, more destructive ways to get free – thinking they are finding healing.
Thanks for stopping by.
Eric