Jesus is far more ‘diplomatic’ and compassionate that I am, and we see this side of His nature in the account of the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda; we also see Jesus putting the responsibility for healing back onto the man himself.
What I see in this account is a man making excuses and complaining; “I cannot do this on my own”, “I need help”, and “It’s not my fault I cannot get into the water”.
Jesus just tells him to get up, take his bed and walk.
Jesus tells him to do something; he tells the man to get on with it!
What I see is Jesus telling him to stop making excuses and take some responsibility.
This is the diplomatic and compassionate part of Jesus coming in, I think I would have said, “get a grip, stop making excuses and do something for yourself”.
Even in compassion though Jesus gets right to the heart of the matter, advising the man to do something for himself.
How often are we making excuses, blaming others for our own failures and lack of success?
How often do we push away responsibly onto someone else, even onto God?
If we are being honest this is quite a common issue in the church.
We need to take responsibility for our own walk and take the appropriate actions; this could be many things such as studying the Word, speaking out healing, being more friendly etc.
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord that you have given me authority and power to take responsibility and help myself”.
John 5 v 7 and 8…..The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk
Heilan Word Ministries 