March 13

Wilt thou be made whole? - John 5:6

TWO things are implied in the question. First, That the disease is curable; for our dear Saviour would not raise our attention to trifle with us, much less to deceive us. The case is indeed desperate with regard to our own ability, and with regard to the sufficiency of all creatures.

“The help of man and angels join’d

Could never reach our ease;

Nor could we hope relief to find

But in his boundless grace.”

But there is hope in Israel concerning this thing, and nowhere else. But while all others address the sinner in vain, and in withdrawing say, “Help is not in me,” He, blessed be his name, comes forward bringing health and cure, and saying, “I will come and heal him.” O, how many millions have experienced the efficacy of his cross and grace, who are now before the throne; and how many thousands are there now living on earth who are witnesses for him! For though not free from infirmity, though they complain of inward corruption, yet are they new creatures; yet old things have passed away, and all things have become new; yet they are walking by faith, having their conversation in heaven, looking for that blessed hope.

Secondly, It is here implied that willingness to be cured is essential to recovery. This cure is not forced upon any, neither is it accomplished by an operation of which we are insensible, or by a charm. The method of cure is one which requires thought, conviction, recollection, inclination, choice. There is no deviation from this, even in the work of the Spirit himself.

The way he heals is by opening the eyes of the understanding, and showing us what is the hope of our calling, and what is the glory of the riches of his inheritance. He “works in us” “to will and to do.” He draws, and we run after him. His way is, by a divine influence to make us sensible of our need of the blessing, to lead us to prize it, to long for it, to seek for it, and then the attainment will render both blessed and grateful.

Thus Mary, we are told, chose the good path which should not be taken from her. “He that feareth the Lord, him shall he teach in the way.” What way? The way he shall choose. “Wilt thou be made whole?”