The Healing At The Pool Of Bethesda Series

Title: THE HEALING AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 5:1-8

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 103:2-3, Matthew 11:28

INTRODUCTION:

John 5:1-8 tells the story of a paralysed man who encountered Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda. This event highlights God's compassion, the futility of misplaced trust, and the power of divine intervention. The Pool of Bethesda was known as a place of healing, yet this man had been waiting for 38 years without success. Jesus met him in his helpless state and changed his life forever.

1. THE CONDITION OF THE MAN AT THE POOL

a) A State of Helplessness

The man had been paralysed for 38 years, unable to help himself (John 5:5). This represents the spiritual paralysis that sin and hopelessness can bring.

b) Surrounded by the Suffering

The pool was filled with others who were blind, lame, and paralysed (John 5:3). It was a picture of humanity’s brokenness.

c) Misplaced Hope

He depended on the stirring of the water, a tradition rather than divine assurance (John 5:7). Many today rely on unreliable sources for help.

d) Overwhelmed by Competition

Others always got ahead of him when the water was stirred (John 5:7). This reflects how the world often overlooks the weak and disadvantaged.

e) Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood also suffered for years until she met Jesus (Mark 5:25-34).

2. THE COMPASSION OF JESUS

a) Jesus Saw His Condition

Jesus noticed the man’s long-standing problem and cared deeply (John 5:6).

b) Jesus Initiated the Conversation

He asked, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6). This question tested the man’s desire for change.

c) Jesus Ignored Excuses

The man explained why he couldn’t be healed, but Jesus focused on offering a solution (John 5:7-8).

d) Jesus Took Action

His words carried the power to heal instantly: “Rise, take up your bed, and walk” (John 5:8).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus had compassion on the widow of Nain and raised her son (Luke 7:11-15).

3. THE POWER OF JESUS’ WORD

a) Jesus’ Word is Life-Giving

His command brought immediate healing (John 5:8-9).

b) Jesus’ Word Requires Faith

The paralysed man had to act on Jesus’ instruction to experience his healing.

c) Jesus’ Word Breaks Protocol

The healing did not depend on the water but on the authority of Jesus (John 5:8).

d) Jesus’ Word is Timeless

What He spoke to the man is still powerful for us today (Hebrews 13:8).

e) Biblical Example: The centurion’s servant was healed when Jesus spoke the word (Matthew 8:5-13).

4. LESSONS FROM THE HEALING AT BETHESDA

a) God Sees and Knows Your Struggles

Jesus recognised the man’s suffering and acted at the right time.

b) Waiting Without God is Futile

The man waited for 38 years without healing until he encountered Jesus.

c) Jesus’ Help is Personal

He approached the man individually, showing that God cares about each person.

d) Faith and Obedience Activate Breakthrough

The man obeyed Jesus’ command and received his healing.

e) Biblical Example: Peter walked on water when he obeyed Jesus’ word (Matthew 14:28-29).

5. APPLYING THE STORY TO OUR LIVES

a) Bring Your Brokenness to Jesus

He is the ultimate healer and restorer (Matthew 11:28).

b) Stop Relying on Human Solutions

Trust in God’s power, not in unreliable or temporary sources of help (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Respond in Faith to God’s Word

Act on His promises and instructions for your breakthrough.

d) Be Encouraged by God’s Timing

Though the man waited 38 years, his healing came at the perfect time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

e) Biblical Example: Blind Bartimaeus received his sight because he called on Jesus at the right moment (Mark 10:46-52).

CONCLUSION:

The story of the healing at Bethesda reminds us that no matter how long we have struggled or how helpless we feel, Jesus is able to deliver us. He sees our condition, speaks His word, and transforms our lives when we respond in faith. Bring your needs to Him today, and trust Him to do the impossible.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I thank You for seeing and caring about my struggles.

2. Father, help me to stop relying on human solutions and trust in You alone.

3. Lord, let Your Word bring healing and restoration into my life.

4. Father, give me the faith to act on Your instructions.

5. Lord, step into every long-standing issue in my life and bring resolution.

6. Father, remove every obstacle hindering my breakthrough.

7. Lord, let Your compassion locate me in my time of need.

8. Father, glorify Yourself in my life through miraculous interventions.

9. Lord, strengthen my faith as I wait on Your perfect timing.

10. Father, let every area of my life reflect Your power and grace.