The paralytic was full of excuses: “I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” Jesus’ response, in effect, was “Never mind all that. Stand up, take up your mat and walk” (John 5:6-9). Then the paralyzed man reached within himself to that place of deep desire and deep faith and did what he was told. And somehow his willingness to follow his desire opened the way for him to experience Jesus’ healing power.
