This is the question Jesus asked a man laying at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:6). The Bible says that the man had been suffering with "an infirmity" for 38 years. God's Word does not tell us exactly what the man's infirmity was, but it probably had something to do with his legs because he needed someone to carry him to Bethesda's healing waters. Whatever his disease, it's clear that the man was not able to get to the waters of Bethesda fast enough to be healed (John 5:7).
When Jesus passed by, He knew the man had been handicapped for 38 years - "(Jesus) knew that he already had been in that condition a long time" (John 5:6). So then, it seems almost ludicrous that Jesus would ask the man if he wanted to be healed. Of course he wanted to be healed...right?
Can I suggest that not everyone really wants to be made well. There are all kinds of sickness - physical, emotional, mental, etc. I'm not really talking about those. My focus is on the spiritual. Think about it - many people are "sin sick" because they've never trusted Christ as their Savior. Jesus still asks billions of people all over the world, "Do you want to be made well?" The only way any of us can be delivered from our sin sickness is through faith in Jesus.
Even among those who are saved, there is still a great deal of sickness. Many Christians are diseased with "besetting sins" - evil thoughts, words, or deeds that harm our relationship with God. God has the power to deliver all His children from the sins that trip them up, but we've got to want to be made well. Wellness comes in the form of daily prayer, Bible reading, and obedience to His commands.
This sin sickness is not just limited to individuals. Many local churches are diseased and in need of Christ's healing touch. God has all the power to revitalize diseased churches, but they've got to want to be made well. The sad fact is that many churches would rather die than to be healed, because healing requires change. Change is something that too many of our churches are not interested in. An unbiblical commitment to tradition has left many churches laying at the pool of Bethesda.
So what about you? Do you want to be made well? I suggest you follow the example of Bethesda's suffering man - listen to the voice of Jesus, place your faith in Him, obey His commands, and tell the world that Christ has set you free. "If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).
