What Is Your Need?

-May 15, 2025-

Good morning beloved, happy Thursday,

“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been in that condition a long time, He said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well.’”

(John 5:6).

Jesus came to the Pool of Bethesda where people gathered to be healed of their infirmities. An angel would come at a certain time and stir up the water. The first person who stepped into the water was immediately healed. Others would have to come back next time.

Jesus met there a crippled or paralyzed man who had been in this condition thirty-eight long years. Imagine thirty-eight years! Thirty-eight long years of suffering and with no one to help him into the water. There would always be someone stepping in front of him.

At first glance, the question Jesus asked him seemed so obvious. He asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” To a certain degree it was obvious, but Jesus wanted this man to desire His healing.

Sometimes people don’t want anyone’s help, which is always hard for me to believe. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a big homeless problem. There are many reasons why people live on the streets, some out of necessity, but many more by choice. The latter group refuse any shelter or help. They don’t want to work or be responsible or accountable to anyone.

This man had no issue in seeking Jesus’ assistance. Jesus was his only help, his only hope. Jesus told him, “Rise, take your bed and walk.” Immediately he did and was healed.

Jesus has the desire to heal, answer, and help us if we are willing to come to him. Jesus never turned anyone away who sincerely came to Him.

As believers we sometimes stay in the same condition for weeks, months, or years. We may try to change, try to do it in our own strength, but it never works. We can’t conquer addictions, habits, fears, or anything else apart from Jesus.

What is your need? Jesus already knows about it, but He wants you to tell him about. We can’t be helped until we recognize and acknowledge our need. He alone can give the answer or solution we desperately need.

Have a blessed day looking to Jesus for everything. Stay safe and healthy.

Let’s go to the One who can help us, and wants to help us.

Dean