JOHN 5:2-5
This story richly describes Jesus’ unrelenting grasp of his authority to speak life into
the desolate places of the human heart. We find Jesus in Jerusalem during one of the
high holy feasts. He had gone up to Jerusalem – up to the Temple. He was on his way
up to the place of worship when he encountered the invalid man by the pool of Bethesda
– a man who had been there languishing for 38 years.
In my first year of seminary I was 38 years old. Having left a lucrative career in
elecommunications sales to become a full-time student, I found myself stuck in my
formation of this new identity. I could no longer be described by my fancy title or find
comfort in a six figure salary. For me there was only a 17 by 18 foot residence hall
room and a shared bathroom. One day while driving to work, I heard these words in
my head, “What are you willing to give up in order to get up?” Those words became
the title for my preaching assignment the following week which drew me to this text.
In the message I made parallels between myself as the invalid, trapped in my own
self-pity and loss of identity, unable to offer anything to Jesus but my limitations.
At that time I was convinced that I, as well as the Church, needed to pick up our
proverbial mat of excuses and walk into a changing landscape and identity.
Today, I am persuaded that our role as disciples is to be more like Jesus than the
invalid. Shall we languish in the hurt and pain of the past that our differences along
theological, political and philosophical lines have inflicted? Or should we examine the
ways in which these differences offer opportunities to speak life and grow the body of
Christ? Jesus said to the invalid, by the power of God in me – you can walk! Our witness
as disciples offers opportunity to demonstrate that love really is stronger than hate.
Our witness inspires courage – courage to look our divisions in the eye and say – I am
not be made whole without you.
Soon after that message, at a reception for two friends, their best man for the
ceremony made this confession during his toast to the couple. The wedding was the first
time he had been to church in almost 20 years. Having experienced rejection by the
church and his family, he languished by a pool of despair. It was, however, the ways in
which he watched the growth and happiness and faith that gave him the courage to risk
a renewed commitment to Christ’s church.
As members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), what would happen if
we took our cue in this story from Jesus instead of the invalid? With our faith, our lives
and our love, let us courageous speak life in dying world.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for challenging me to take up my mat. May I share your
loving challenge with all those who are letting themselves be limited instead of
living into the fullness of life you would have for them.
Amen.
April Johnson serves as Minister for Reconciliation for the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ).