The apostle John records a select number of signs or miracles that help demonstrate who Jesus is and the importance of believing in Him for eternal life. These miracles showed Jesus’ authority—an authority that only the Creator could have. John records one of these remarkable miracles in which Jesus asks an infirm man at the Pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to be made well?” This miracle challenges us to examine what we value most. Are we more committed to control or to life? It can also help remind us that true wellness is about much more than physical health. 

 

Put It into Practice: Reflect on Jesus’ question: “Do you want to get well?” Ask God to show you where healing or change is available, but resistance may still be present.

 

Day 1 John 5:1–9

Reflect: Why would Jesus ask a question that seems so obvious? The man explains his limitations rather than expressing desire. What does that reveal about how long-term struggle shapes identity?   

Apply: Where have you adjusted to dysfunction instead of longing for change? Do you tend to explain your condition or entrust it to Christ? What act of obedience might be your “pick up your mat & walk”?

Pray: I come before You in the name of Jesus, recognizing that You are the God of healing, breakthrough, and favor. Lord, I lift up my life to You, especially the areas where I have been “stuck” for a long time—areas of stagnation, brokenness, or waiting that have felt hopeless.

 

Day 2 John 5:10-18

Reflect: Why do the religious leaders always focus on Sabbath rules rather than restored life? What did Jesus mean in verse 14? What does the tension in this text reveal about authority and control?

Apply: Has God ever worked in a way that challenged your expectations? How do you respond when obedience to Jesus costs approval? Why does true healing involve a change of heart and behavior?

Pray: Father God, I ask for the grace to obey You immediately, leaving behind my old ways of paralysis and helplessness. Help me to hear Your voice above the loud noise of other voices that tell me what I cannot do. 

 

Day 3 John 5:19-23

Reflect: What does it mean that the Son does only what He sees the Father doing? Why is shared authority between them central to this text? Why does honoring Jesus equate to honoring God?  

Apply: Do you treat Jesus as a spiritual advisor or as divine authority? Where might you admire His compassion but resist His leadership? What would it look like to honor Christ in your daily decisions?

Pray: Lord, help me to live in such close intimacy with You that I do not act on my own accord. Teach me to walk in humble obedience, speaking and doing only what I see the Father doing.

 

Day 4 John 5:24-30

Reflect: Why does Jesus describe eternal life as a present reality? What does it mean to “hear” His word beyond physically listening? What tension exists between grace and judgment in this passage? 

Apply: Are you living as someone who has already crossed from death to life? How does promise of eternal life steady your anxiety about the future? How is this true for you: I can do nothing on my own?

Pray: Heavenly Father, I ask You to teach me to live by faith and not by my own efforts, knowing that I can do nothing apart from Your life and wisdom. Guide my life and help me to seek only the Father’s will, just as You did. 

 

Day 5 John 5:31-47

Reflect: How can people study Scripture deeply and still miss its central message? What role does pride play in spiritual blindness? Why is unwillingness, not lack of evidence, the deeper issue?

Apply: Is your study of the Word leading you toward Jesus or knowledge? Where might pride be blocking surrender? If Jesus said, “You refuse to come to Me to have life,” how would you respond?

Pray: Search my heart, O God, and remove any pride or selfish ambition that hinders me from receiving Your love and loving others. Help me to hear Your voice and abide in Your Word so that I may be a true witness to Your mercy.