“Do You Want To Be Made Well?”
John 5:1-16
Sermon Series: “Getting Acquainted With Jesus”
Introduction: In this next section in John’s gospel, Jesus encounters a man who is in an impossible situation. This must have been a very sad sight that Jesus encountered. There was “a great multitude” of very sick people gathered at the pool of Bethesda. They were outwardly and obviously suffering physically, but I am sure they were also suffering mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Maybe they felt hopeless and abandoned. Jesus picked a particular man out of the crowd and went to him to heal him. This is the third miracle recorded in this gospel. The message of this miracle is that Jesus’ commands contain His empowering to bring His will to pass.
There may not be a multitude of physically sick people in front of me this weekend, but all of us have issues in our lives. I think we need to consider the question that Jesus asked the sick man and ask ourselves, “Do I want to be made well?” Jesus is here to meet with us individually. What do we need Him to do in our lives? Is it salvation? Is it healing? Is it setting us free? Is it restoring a relationship? Is it spiritual growth? What does our church need? Let’s allow Him to change our lives.
1. I Can’t-An Impossible Situation
There is a huge difference in desire and willingness.
We should say won’t instead of can’t (stop making excuses).
We should look at what Jesus can do through us instead of what we can do on our own (stop self-reliance; see John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
This question applies to: salvation, spiritual maturity, marriage, parenting, finances, relationships, conditioning, leading people to Christ, job, school, church (giving, serving, building)
Possible answers to this question “Do you want to be made well?” 1. No 2. You can say yes but not really mean it.
3. “Yes, but” (AO thing) 4. I can’t (excuses) 5.I’ll believe hard enough to make myself better (positive thinking) 6. “Well, it is not really that big a deal.” 7. It is not my fault that I am this way. 8. “Why are you talking to me? ________ is worse than I am. 9. I’m not well, but I want you to think I am well (can even just lie). 10. I’ll change (but it is only superficial and insincere). 11. I’ll change if… 12. “What are you talking about? I’m really ok.” 13. It is just the way I am. I’ve always been this way. 14. I’ll find help somewhere else. 15. I need to be made well, but I’ll take care of it later. 16. Jesus, yes.
2. Jesus Can-The God of the Impossible
Grace
Power
Principle: God’s commands include His enabling power.
Question: What is it that we need to come to the place of stopping excuses, saying I can’t, but Jesus can?
3. I Will-A Changed Life
I will listen. Are you spending time with Jesus and listening to what He wants you to do?
I will obey. Are you obeying what He has told you to do? Is there disobedience that you need to repent of?
I will testify. Are you telling others of Jesus’ goodness?
Conclusion: This can apply to every area of our lives, but it starts with salvation. Salvation only comes through the grace and power of Jesus. He accomplished the work of redemption, He chooses us, and He saves us. Is He your Lord and Savior?
