God is the Creator of all things, and humanity is the pinnacle of His creation, having been made in His image. Yet, ever since the Fall, human beings have sought to fill the void left by the broken relationship with God—a relationship that once existed in the perfection of the Garden of Eden. St. Augustine famously remarked that humanity has a “God-shaped hole” in the heart, which only God Himself can fill. As a result, sinners live in a state of constant restlessness. True peace and deliverance from sin and judgment can only be found in God.

In the biblical passage under consideration, we encounter a man suffering from a condition known as dropsy. While not fatal, this illness left him in desperate need of healing. Upon encountering Jesus, the man received not only physical restoration but also spiritual healing—an inner renewal that surpassed mere bodily relief.

Jesus had been invited to a meal at the house of a Pharisee leader on the Sabbath. The Sabbath held deep religious significance for the Jewish people. However, over time, the religious leaders had burdened God’s simple commandment to rest with numerous additional regulations, transforming it into a legalistic observance that was difficult, if not impossible, to follow. These leaders closely observed Jesus, hoping He would violate their man-made Sabbath laws, thereby providing them grounds for accusation.

Despite having seen Jesus’ works and heard His teachings, the Pharisees and legal experts never asked Him the most vital question: whether He was the promised Messiah and Prophet. They did not seek salvation from Him. This same type of spiritual blindness persists today in what might be called “almost Christians”—those who outwardly appear religious but lack genuine faith. Like the Pharisees, they may lead others astray, appearing pious while lacking the truth and transformation of a real relationship with Christ.

True Christianity is marked by a continual abiding in Christ, as described in John 15:5. Believers are branches connected to the true vine, Jesus, and their lives reflect a commitment to His word and love. Those who truly remain in Him demonstrate their faith through obedience to His commandments (John 15:10). This consistent connection to Christ distinguishes authentic followers from those who merely profess belief without genuine discipleship.

The Pharisees and lawyers, despite their extensive knowledge of the law, lacked sincerity and integrity. Jesus, fully aware of their hearts, exposed their hypocrisy. The text illustrates this when the leaders remain silent in response to Jesus’ questions:

• “And Jesus answered and spoke to the scholars of the Law and Pharisees, saying, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?’” (v. 3)
• “And He said to them, ‘Which one of you will have a son or an ox fall into a well, and will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?’ And they could make no reply to this.” (vv. 5–6)

We must ask ourselves whether we are truly honest with God, especially in times of need or uncertainty. Do we earnestly seek His healing and submit to His will, or do we cling to our own desires and understanding? Genuine faith requires surrendering control and aligning our hearts with God’s word and purposes.

Jesus’ confrontation revealed their duplicity, a theme He addressed repeatedly (cf. Luke 13:15). In contrast, we are called to be people of integrity—honest before God so that we may receive His healing and forgiveness.

Spiritual healing comes only through union with Jesus Christ. The man with dropsy serves as an example of approaching Jesus with one’s burdens and trusting in His power to heal. In response to Jesus’ question, the religious leaders remained silent, but Jesus acted: He took the man, healed him, and sent him away (v. 4). In doing so, Jesus revealed His identity—not only as healer, but as omniscient Lord of the Sabbath, the very one who instituted it. By His actions, He demonstrated that true obedience to God’s law is fulfilled in love (Romans 13:10).

Furthermore, the man with dropsy exhibited a longing for something greater than physical healing; he sought the One who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. Only Christ can satisfy the soul that honestly and humbly seeks Him. With compassion and authority, Jesus restored the man and sent him out—likely to testify about what the Lord had done. Those who genuinely seek salvation are given the opportunity to encounter the compassionate Savior. Jesus’ invitation still stands: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:29).