The Miracle at the Pool of Bethesda - John 5:1-47
Tuesday - October 1, 2024
The Signal for the desperate
John 5:1-9, 14
“When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?’” (John 5:6)
Jesus at Bethesda, He showed His Great Love to the Poor, the Suffering, and the Sinful
"After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water; whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." {3Red 19.3}
Jesus did not hold himself aloof from the poor, the suffering, and the sinful. His great heart of love went out in yearning tenderness for wretched objects who needed his help. He was acquainted with the sufferers who had learned to look forward to the period when it was thought that the waters were agitated by a supernatural power. Many suffering from different maladies visited the pool; but so great was the crowd at the appointed time, that they rushed forward, trampling underfoot men, women, and children weaker than themselves. {3Red 20.1} Redemption: Or the Miracles of Christ, the Mighty One, 1877
A Wise Purpose Underlay Every Act of Christ's Life on Earth
For this reason He had chosen the Sabbath upon which to perform the act of healing at Bethesda. He could have healed the sick man as well on any other day of the week; or He might simply have cured him, without bidding him bear away his bed. But this would not have given Him the opportunity He desired. A wise purpose underlay every act of Christ's life on earth. Everything He did was important in itself and in its teaching. Among the afflicted ones at the pool He selected the worst case upon whom to exercise His healing power, and bade the man carry his bed through the city in order to publish the great work that had been wrought upon him. This would raise the question of what it was lawful to do on the Sabbath, and would open the way for Him to denounce the restrictions of the Jews in regard to the Lord's day, and to declare their traditions void. {DA 206.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898
The Healing Ministry Demonstrates an Important Lesson - Be Made Whole!
The healing of the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda teaches an important lesson,--a lesson of priceless value to the Christian and of fearful import to the unbelieving and the skeptical. As the paralytic lay beside the pool, helpless and well-nigh hopeless, Jesus drew near, and asked, in tones of pity, "Wilt thou be made whole?" Be made whole!--this had been the burden of his desire and prayers for long, weary years. With trembling eagerness he told the story of his trials and disappointments to the sympathizing Son of God. No friend was near to bear him to the healing fountain at the troubling of the waters. His agonizing appeals for help fell unheeded. All around him were those who sought the coveted boon of health for their own loved ones; and while he painfully sought to reach the pool, another would be hurried down before him. {ST, July 15, 1886 par. 2}
Consider the Following
— Among the multitude of sick people who were at the edge of the pool of Bethesda, Jesus chose the most desperate one (Jn. 5:1-5).
— The sick man recognized in Jesus' loving question someone who wanted to help him (John 5:6-7). But Jesus did not help him perform a superstitious rite. He simply ordered him: “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (John 5:8).
— At this command, the sick man responded. He stood up, and his limbs, paralyzed for 38 years, regained strength. He who made his legs had restored his own.
— Later, Jesus identified his illness as a consequence of his sins (Jn. 5:14). Illness may or may not be a direct consequence of our sin. But regardless of its origin, God has the power to heal our illnesses (James 5:14-15)
