Thanks Jesus!

01Apr08

Today I listened to a podcast from the radioshow “In the Studio with Michael Card”. It’s a great show that I want to promote. Go to Michael Card’s site and download the show if you’re not in the States, or listen on iTunes!

Anyway, in this show (nr. 310) Michael Card discussed the story of the lame man in the pool of Bethesda. He gave me a whole new perspective on the story, but also on faith-healing (although he didn’t mention it specifically).

Michael Card described how Jesus approached this man and asked him if he wanted to be healed. What I never noticed was, that this man immediately came with an excuse! “I never had anybody who wanted to take me to the water.” He didn’t say “Yes please”, whereas he had been ill for 38 years. But still, Jesus heals the man. But in stead of thanking Him, the man runs off, even without knowing who healed him!! We know this, because the Pharisees ask him who healed him, and the man answers that he doesn’t know. How self-centered can you be!

Then later on, Jesus goes to the man again and makes himself known. The first thing the man does, is go to the Pharisees and tell them who healed him! Unbelievable! No thanks, no honor, only excuses and betrayal.

Then I thought about people who say that you need faith to be healed. These people also say that if you’re not healed, you probably don’t have enough faith! That is such a terrible thing to say, it lacks any kind of grace. But now hear the good news: apparently you don’t need faith to be healed!!! This man in Bethesda didn’t have faith in Jesus, he didn’t even know who He was! He was a self-centered man, but nonetheless Jesus healed him. This was an act done by Jesus out of His authority and grace!! That’s how it goes. Jesus heals you because He has the power, authority and grace to do so.

 Thanks Michael Card, for pointing this out!

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Tags: Bethesda, Jesus, MIchael Card