John 5:1-9a - Healing at Bethesda

John 5:1-9a

After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.

Message: Healing at Bethesda

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Thus far, what I have seen in this study of John is John starting off by describing many different names for Jesus that conveyed his purpose in coming. And that purpose is wrapped up in the theme of giving eternal life to all who believe which makes up Chapters 3 and 4. Jesus is about getting his name and message out. He is to preach the good news of the gospel, namely that God loves and we are to believe that Jesus is the light and allow our sin to be exposed. And then Jesus also heals. As people come to him and as he is around people, there are those that are hurting and come to him to ask to be healed. Perhaps this is a way to get him message out faster. By people seeing a healing, word travels. And yet it is hoped that what gets communicated is his overarching message. 

Jesus comes to the pool, to see a man. There was a pool there that many thought when the angel visited the pool and stirred the water, many would be healed, but one many could not make it into the pool. The idea was that the first one into the pool would be healed. For this to happen, the man would need others to help him. And other people were too interested in getting the healing. It was 38 years that he had been in the condition of not being able to walk or move himself. 38 years. Interesting that this detail is called out. 

"When Jesus saw him..." To be seen is a major point in anyone's life. To be seen and recognized and mentioned is the greatest moment one can often experience. I will never forget my oldest son playing basketball in a youth faith or church league and shooting a basket and making a layup and immediately looking at me as he came down the court. He wanted to be seen and I saw him. That moment has always stood out to me in my life. 

Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well and the man's response was affirmative, yes, but he expressed it in the form that no one will help me. 

Jesus helped him. Jesus healed him. The man felt if he could get to the water he would be healed. Jesus didn't simply take him to the water which is what He could have done, but by speaking a word to the man, he was healed. That simple. 

And yet, what we don't know is the man's faith nor that he really knew who Jesus was. And Jesus picks him out of the crowd. Many beyond the man wanted to be healed but Jesus chose the man. So Jesus didn't heal everyone. The purpose - to show His power. Not everyone will be healed. 

Summary: Jesus picks a man out from the crowd at the pools of Bethesda in Jerusalem and heals the man, allowing him to get up and walk. 

Promise: God sovereignly determines when and where to act.

Prayer: Lord, you heal. You heal who you choose. And we can also implore you to heal. Yet, you are sovereign and in control. I surrender to you and accept what you provide for me. Lord, comfort those that need healing. That are wanting this to occur. Help people to know You as Savior and Lord. Lord, keep healing as you are doing in people's lives. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.