Healing At The Pool

Background: Jesus arrives in Jerusalem at the time of one of the feasts. Most commentators believe it was the Feast of Passover, but we can’t know with 100% certainty. Nonetheless, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem at the time of the feast, and as you would expect the crowds are large. If it were indeed Passover, it would be required that all Jewish males be in attendance. While here, he passes by the pool where many are sick. We find the account of the healing of the lame man in this story.

Here is a time of celebration of Jewish laws, customs and traditions. Here is a time of celebration of what God has done in the rich history of the people. And, here comes Jesus to do something fresh and new!!

The pool was near the Sheep Gate, which is where the sheep would be brought into the city for sacrifice. The five porches or colonnades were to provide shelter and comfort for the sick and hurting.

“Bethesda” means “HOUSE OF MERCY” or “FLOWING WATERS”

Based on what we read, the flowing waters of mercy would only be beneficial on occasion. The rest of the time the sick would be forced to watch, remember and hope.

The flowing rivers of mercy are available at times. However, the whole story about the magic / healing pool could be a legend all together. But, the sick were waiting for the stirring of the water with hope.

1. The Compassion of Christ

There would have been many visitors in Jerusalem during this time. The whole place would have been congested with people. There were also many sick people who were sitting or waiting along this pool. In fact the 5 porches were to provide shelter and comfort for the sick. However, the eyes of Christ fell upon this man who was suffering of paralysis for 38 years. This man was desperate for healing. All his life he has been suffering paralysis and begging for others help. He was a lonely man – he had no relatives to help him (vs.7). He felt marginalized.

Jesus was moved with compassion that he asked the man does you wish to get well? Jesus chose to reach out to this man who was not seen as important by others. He was a helpless man who could not even carry himself into the pool. Jesus' question may

have probed the man to discover if he had a desire for healing. Some people are perfectly content to remain in their miserable condition. Jesus only delivered people who wanted His help.

People of God, we got to be desperate for God. You want to experience the touch of God – then better get desperate for Him. You want His anointing to fill you – then you better get desperate for Him.

Evidently this is the only person He healed this day even though there were many more

whom He could have healed (v. 3; cf. Acts 3:2). He only saves people who want salvation and whom He sovereignly chooses to save (cf. 6:37).The invalid had the desire for healing but not the means to obtain it. When Jesus heard the response of this man, He knew that this guy was desperate yet he does not know how – so, Jesus moved in compassion and healed him (vs 8-9).The invalid experienced healing immediately. The man walked away carrying his mat, he testified to his healing. Normally we cannot immediately use muscles that we have not used for a long time because they atrophy or weaken, but this man had the full use of his muscles instantaneously.

This kind of power that is vested in Christ was foretold by the prophets Isaiah who had predicted that when Messiah came He would heal the lame (Isa. 35:6). Here was

proof for all Jerusalem to see that Messiah had appeared. He had healed a man whom sickness had bound for 38 years. Today are we seeking Him desperately for a fresh new touch – touch of healing, touch of anointing?