“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” – John 5:8-9 (NIV)
Introduction
Have you ever felt stuck in life, as though your situation had no solution? Like the man at the pool of Bethesda in John chapter 5, many believers today find themselves trapped by personal failures, past sins, and external limitations. But Jesus speaks a powerful command over your life today: “Pick up your mat and walk.”
This command is more than physical healing; it is an instruction to rise, take responsibility, and move forward in faith. Today’s message invites you to leave behind the excuses and step into your God-ordained destiny.
The Story at Bethesda
In John 5:1-15, we read of a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years. He lay beside the pool, waiting for a miracle, yet year after year, his situation remained unchanged. When Jesus saw him lying there, He asked a simple but life-altering question: “Do you want to get well?”
The man’s response revealed his hopelessness. Instead of answering ‘yes,’ he gave excuses: “I have no one to help me…” His focus was on his limitations, not on the possibility of change.
But Jesus, full of compassion and authority, told him plainly: “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
In obedience to the word of Christ, the man was instantly healed. His life changed in a moment.
Lessons for Today’s Believers
1. Stop Waiting for Others to Carry You
The man at the pool was depending on others to move him. Many Christians today are waiting for someone to notice their pain or carry their burden. But spiritual progress requires personal responsibility. Jesus asks you directly, “Do you want to get well?”
Philippians 2:12 reminds us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Stop depending solely on external help. Stand on God’s Word and take the first step.
2. Recognize the Power of Jesus’ Command
When Jesus speaks, limitations are broken. The paralyzed man could have said, “But Lord, I can’t walk.” Yet, the command itself carried power. Jesus’ words are not mere suggestions—they are life-giving instructions backed by divine authority.
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV): “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire…”
His command, “Pick up your mat and walk,” enables you to do what you once thought impossible.
3. Pick Up Your Mat – Take Responsibility
Jesus didn’t just say “walk.” He said, “Pick up your mat and walk.” Why? The mat symbolized his past struggle, the place where he lay helpless for years. Picking it up was a declaration: “I am not returning here.”
Carrying the mat reminds us of where God has brought us from, but it also signifies ownership of your testimony.
Revelation 12:11: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
Do not leave your testimony behind—carry it and share what the Lord has done.
4. Walk – Move Forward in Faith
Healing wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of a new journey. Jesus calls you not only to rise but to walk. Forward motion is essential in the Christian life.
2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Don’t remain at the pool of disappointment. Move forward. Walk in forgiveness, walk in obedience, walk in purpose.
Why Do Some Stay on Their Mats?
Many believers remain spiritually stuck because:
- They focus on past failures.
- They believe they are unworthy of healing or breakthrough.
- They fear the responsibility of change.
- They’ve grown comfortable in their brokenness.
But today, Jesus calls you beyond all that. His power is greater than your past. His grace covers your weaknesses.
A Call to Action
Beloved, it’s time to:
- Rise above your circumstances.
- Stop blaming others for your condition.
- Obey Jesus’ command even when it seems impossible.
- Take ownership of your testimony.
- Step forward into your destiny.
Every step of obedience opens the door to the next level of blessing. Remember, delayed obedience is still disobedience. Jesus’ command to “pick up your mat and walk” is immediate and personal.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Perhaps you’ve been lying beside your own “pool” of hopelessness for years. Today, Jesus walks by your side. He sees you. He knows your pain. But more importantly, He calls you to rise.
Will you respond?
Don’t let fear or doubt keep you paralyzed. Jesus is your healer, your strength, and your guide. Trust in His word, and move forward. Pick up your mat, and walk.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for seeing me in my brokenness and for speaking life into my situation. Forgive me for the times I’ve remained stuck in self-pity and excuses. Help me to respond to Your command with immediate faith and action. Give me the strength to pick up my mat—to take responsibility for my testimony—and walk forward into the destiny You have prepared for me. Let Your Word empower me to rise above every limitation. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What “mat” have you been lying on—what past failure or situation keeps you stuck?
- How do you respond when Jesus challenges you to rise? With faith, or excuses?
- In what areas do you need to take personal responsibility instead of waiting for others?
- How can you carry your testimony as a tool for God’s glory?
- What practical step will you take today to “walk” forward in your spiritual life?
Share This Message
If this message has blessed you, share it with friends and family. Let others hear the call of Jesus to Pick Up Your Mat and Walk.
Stay blessed!