If you have ever read the account of the sick man at the pool of Bethesda you might have wondered the same thing I did. As Jesus walked through the multitudes of those who were sick and diseased, he stopped at a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years and asked a curious question. “Do you wish to get well?” (John 5:6)

Isn’t that a no-brainer? Doesn’t everyone who is sick want to get well? Maybe not. I’ve known some people that I suspect would be very irked if they suddenly got well. What about hypochondriacs? Don’t some people feed off their illnesses for attention? And if you are into self pity, getting well would remove your tool to wallow in it. How about people who like to live in the victim mode?

In the case of the man in scripture, he wanted healing but saw no way for it to happen. “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” (John 5:7) That was enough of an invitation for the Son of God who simply spoke; “Arise, take up your pallet, and walk.” (Verse 8) The man got up and walked away.

Now if Jesus came walking by and asked you if you want to get well what would you say to him? It’s a big question. He’s a gentleman and won’t override your wishes. If you say “Yes” he can still say “Arise” as easily today as he could back then.