John 5:2-9, Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.
A Different Kind of Miracle
This miracle that Jesus performed is quite different from most others. Why? Because in this miracle the man didn’t profess or demonstrate any faith in Jesus. Yes, the man obeyed Jesus but it’s clear from the text that the healing came before his actions.
Why would the Apostle John include this account in his manuscript? Perhaps because there is something very encouraging in what Jesus demonstrated. We see Jesus healing the unfaithful. Jesus has ALL authority in heaven and on earth, and Christ’s action of healing this man shows that He can and does show pity on the unjust.
A Faithless Man
Do you know anyone that is currently unsaved but has a serious need? Yes? Well, be encouraged, it’s okay to ask God to intervene on their behalf. Certainly, that person’s spiritual condition is, by far, their critical need, but it is okay to ask God to do the miraculous for people that are unsaved, or weak, lacking any meaningful faith in Jesus.
If you read the entire account in John 5:1-17 you’ll see that there is a greater agenda which Jesus had. Still, the fact remains that, on this occasion, Jesus’ power healed a faithless man. Therefore, pray for the needs of others. Pray first for their salvation, but have confidence to pray in the Name of Jesus regarding the problems and illnesses of everyone that God lays on your heart. Don’t shrink back, don’t limit God in what He can do.
Photo by Rosie Fraser on Unsplash
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