Do You Want To Be Healed?

One day, while in Jerusalem, Jesus encounters a blind man who was at a pool named Bethesda, which was believed to heal those who dipped in it after the angels stirred the waters. Jesus, learning that the man had been blind for a long time, asks him a very interesting question, "Do you want to be healed" (John 5:6)?

Considering his disability and his proximity to the healing pool, one would think that the answer would be obvious, however, Jesus would not have asked it if there wasn't room for doubt. 

The fact is, many people do not really want to be healed. As a former Weight Watcher's leader, I can tell you there are some people who sabotage their own weight loss repeatedly, apprehensive to face life without their shield around them.

A fair number of alcohol and drug abusers find it easier to blame their circumstances than to face life without their crutch. Some people on welfare would rather blame the man than risk trying to pull themselves out of poverty working for him. 

Rather than deal with a sin issue, some choose to excuse themselves, laying the blame on their parents, their genes, their job, their whatever.  It's common to label sin as a disease or an addiction rather than seek spiritual healing. 

Sometimes, having an illness, a disability or a malady of some stripe, provides attention or inclusion.  "My therapists said..."  "You can't imagine how painful my _______ is!"  "My _________ group is my real family."  Sound familiar?  

Truly, just as Jesus' question suggests, not everyone wants to be healed. What about you?  Do you want to be healed?

Jus' Askn.