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We are overhearing that conversation in John Chapter 5 where Jesus Christ speaks to a man who has been lying by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years.

He says to Jesus, “I can’t help being this way. No-one will lift me into the water and just when I am trying to get in somebody steps in before me.” For some 38 years, this man would have begged, and people had provided him with some sort of existence. He had resigned himself to his condition.

I have no-one to help me. What a sad situation to be in. Had he lost his friends? When the time came for a lift, there was no-one to lift him up and into the healing waters. I have no-one to help and Jesus comes and says, “I am your man”.

This man was crippled and friendless and seemed to have no one around him to help, but now he has Jesus Christ. He did not seem to recognise who Jesus was, but Jesus recognised him and that is what is important to begin with.

He was hurting in all kinds of ways and he was surrounded by hurting people – people with scars and wounds and deep wounds.

Jesus is not oblivious to our pains and hurts. He is aware of our failings and frustrations.

How often do we hear, “How are you?” Oh, fine!” And we are not fine at all, but reality can make us uncomfortable.

Verse 8 – Get up. Pick up. Walk. There is no helping hand here. Jesus demands obedience and co-operation. Does it appear a little harsh? No. With some people you have to be firm, or they will remain in that condition for ever.

Jesus is never harsh. What Jesus is saying here is, “If you will, I will enable you.” If Jesus tells you to do something, you can do it. Stand, and I will help you to stand, and it works.

The man was made whole. He got up – picked up his mat – and walked.

Obeying Jesus works. Co-operating with Christ works. Jesus did not just pray about it, nor did he lecture the man.

Why did Jesus go there? Somebody needed Him. Someone was alone and helpless. Someone was in a hopeless situation. Somebody could not get His life together and rise out of this mess by himself. Did Jesus heal others? We do not know, but we know He healed one. There is always one – a Matthew – a Zacchaeus – a Saul of Tarsus – or a Cornelius.

This is where I wish we could stop, but we cannot. It was the Sabbath and you were not allowed to carry your bed. You were not allowed to carry your mat on the Sabbath.

This man who had been miraculously healed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who was obeying Jesus Christ and co-operating with Jesus Christ, got into trouble with some religious legalistic Jews. You cannot do that! It does not matter who told you! You cannot do what you are doing!

He explained. He who healed me told me to take up my bed and walk.

Verse 12 – Who is this fellow who told you to pick up your bed and walk?

Did you notice they do not mention the healing part!

Religious people can sometimes be blind to what the living God is doing, and deaf to what the risen Christ is saying.

This is the first hint in John of confrontation, and opposition. Two things were meeting – the religion of the letter and the life and power of Almighty God – traditions and regulation and the presence and moving of the Holy Spirit – of the form of powerless godlessness and the might and power of our creator God – or, man’s ways and God’s light and truth. It is some clash.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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