Why would Jesus ask such a thing of an obviously sick man? For the same reason He asks you, now. Do you wish to get well?

God honors our free will. He does not force anything on us. He asks, “do you wish”? It’s not a question of “Do you wish to get well? what do you want?”, it’s a question of, “are you willing?”. We must speak it!

Our entire universe was spoken into existence. “Let there be light” was a spoken word, and likewise all that followed. The spoken word has authority and power, when we speak, when we answer. Do you wish to get well? Speak it.

Are you willing to give up that pleasurable habit? That sin? That serving of flesh and self? That junk food? That focus on money? Whatever it is that has enslaved us into sickness through sin, are you ready to give it up? To pick up your pallet and start life anew? What’s our desire, the fun and pleasure of sin or health and holiness?

Do you want to get well? How often our own answer is no. We would rather cling to the sin! We want the consequences of sin to leave, but we would prefer to keep the pleasure of sin. But you cannot be “well” living in sin.

Do you wish to be well? First be willing to leave sin and all of its fun behind. Then answer the question, “do you wish to get well?” with a resounding YES!

After Jesus healed this man, He told him to take up his pallet and walk. We must do the same if we are truly willing. We must walk away from our previous condition. Speak, receive God’s gift, then act. Seek holiness and purity. Seek to avoid even the appearance of evil.

Do you want to be well?