YOU MUST BE THE CYCLE BREAKER IN YOUR FAMILY
John 5: 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a Great Multitude Of Sick People, Blind, Lame, Paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and Knew That He Already Had Been In That Condition A Long Time, He said to him, “Do You Want To Be Made Well?” 7 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.” 8 Jesus Said To Him, “Rise, Take Up Your Bed And Walk.” 9 And Immediately The Man Was Made Well, Took Up His Bed, And Walked. And That Day Was The Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” 11 He answered them, “He Who Made Me Well Said To Me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’” 12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin No More, Lest A Worse Thing Come Upon You.” 15 The man departed and Told The Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
INTRODUCTION: TIME TO BREAK THE CYCLE
Change Is One Of The Most Difficult Things That We Face In Life. One reason we do not like change is because we get comfortable where we are. We get used to our friends, job, the place we live in and even if it is not perfect we accept it because it is familiar. And when we are not willing to change, we get stuck in the past instead of moving forward into what God is about to do. Question: Are you ready for a change? Are you ready to break that cycle of day-to-day life and receive God’s change? I am talking to somebody who’s tired of going around and around the same old problem.
FIVE HINDRANCES TO CHANGE
1. Pride. Pride says: “I don’t need to change. There is nothing wrong with me. You are the one who needs change.” Pro. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Pride does things its own way. Humility does things God’s way. Pride leads to fall or stunted growth.
2. Fear: Fear says: “I am afraid to change. I am afraid to take risk. I will live in the average rather than stepping into something new.” Too fearful to change leads to confusion. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
3. Rebellion. Rebellion says: “I will not change.” Too rebellious to change leads to destruction. E.g. Saul lost everything.
4. Laziness. Laziness says: “It is too hard for me to change and no time to change”. laziness leads to poverty. Pro. 6:9-11 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
5. Ignorance. Ignorance says: “I don’t know how to change.” Ignorance towards change will lead nowhere. Change is inevitable. Whomever God called, He brought seasons of change.
THERE ARE SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS PASSAGE.
The Gospel Of John Presents Christ Differently Than Other 3 Gospels. Matthew & Luke showed Christ human lineage. Matthew presents Christ as Promised Messiah. Mark shows Christ as Suffering Servant. Luke portrays Jesus as Savior. John presents Him as Son Of God in the flesh, who back His claims by miracles. That is why you must trust Him for miracles.
John Uses 8 Miracles Or Signs As Proof:
1. First Miracle: Wedding at Cana - John 2:1-12 – Jesus changes water into wine which reveals that He has the power to make all things and all lives new.
2. Second Miracle: Jesus heals the son of an official - John 4:43-54 - There is no distance in healing with Him.
3. Third Miracle: Jesus heals a lame man at Bethesda - John 5:1-14 - No matter how long the situation has been, Jesus has control over time.
4. Fourth Miracle: Fed 5,000 with 5 loaves & 2 fishes - John 6:1-14. Jesus can supply man with everything they need.
5. Fifth Miracle: Walked on water - John 6:16-24 - His mastery over all things within nature.
6. Sixth Miracle: Jesus heals a man born blind - John 9:1-12 - Christ is able to overcome all obstacles and give sight to the blind.
7. Seventh Miracle: John 11 – Jesus raised Lazarus from death - revealed His power over death – Promises that those who believe in Him will see eternal life in Heaven.
8. Eighth Miracle: John 21:1-14. The resurrected Christ makes His disciples catch a haul of fish - He calls them to be “fishers of men: Jesus is emphasizing the mission of the disciples.
LOOK AT THIS 3RD MIRACLE AND THE POINTS MADE:
1. It Was A Place Of Sickness (John 5:1-3): “After this Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed”.
At St. Anne’s Church in Jerusalem is a deep excavation (19th Century) that revealed the Pool of Bethesda in Muslim quarter. The Hebrew name Bethesda means "house of mercy" or "house of grace". The reason this pool is brought to attention by John is not the historic or archaeological beauty of the place, but because of what it was known for - a place of sickness. This pool was filled with people full of all types of diseases. It must have been a depressing sight - like an overcrowded hospital ward. Only none ever got treated with medicines! So in a time with no disinfectant you can imagine the stench that filled the place! John described 4 kinds of people there in multitude: “Sick People, Blind People, Lame People And Paralyzed People.”
2. The Man Was Sick For 38 Years (John 5:1-14).
No matter how long the situation has been, Jesus has control over time. There is chronological time. Spirit Time. Making yesterday today. Example: Mark 9: Epileptic Boy (From childhood).
3. It Was A Place Of Superstition (John 5:4-7).
Know God for yourself. Read the Bible. I do not believe an angel of the Lord would come down and stir up the waters; and the first one into the pool after each such disturbance would be cured. Perhaps something extraordinary did once happen here. As a result, it kept all these handicapped people at this pool, hoping for a cure. And over the years as stories were told, the pool got a reputation for being a place of healing. I think, First: The supply came from elsewhere. Perhaps from the temple; so that when the source was turned on there would have been a rippling effect in the pool. Second, the pool was an intermittent thermal spring which bubbled up from time to time. Such springs are not unusual. Even today people afflicted with various diseases would gather around mineral springs.
Bethesda (House of Mercy), a place that had five (5) porches enclosed, attracted a mass of disabled, desperate, dissatisfied people. There was misery at the place of mercy; and Jesus (Mercy) shows up at the Mercy House. Heavenly mercy finds its way to earthly misery. Christ will show up in the place where blessings should be bestowed and bring a true blessing. That pool kept people coming out of hope. It kept someone thinking that maybe it’s my time next. But the man had no one to help him, no one to get him in. He is at Mercy House, but no one is being merciful. But mercy shows up, just when you need mercy. Just when you need the miracle it happens. Jesus shows up and singles out this helpless, hopeless man, and says, “Do you want to be made whole?” Let God single you out today.
4. A Place Of A Great Multitude Of…
People are listed according to the severity of their illness. They were grouped into 4 problems with one desire - to be healed. They waited for the bubbling of the water.
a) Sick People: Physically speaking, someone who is affected with disease or ill health. Spiritually speaking, someone who has been infected with some emotional virus causing inability to function properly. The person has all that is needed to make it in life but cannot because that person is either carrying unforgivingness, bitterness or cannot just let go of a disappointment in the past. That thing has infected the person to the extent that they see life through the prism of the illness. Proverbs 28:1 Wicked people run away when no one chases them, but those who live right are as brave as lions. Matthew 6:23: If the eye is evil, the whole body is in darkness.
Are You Infected With A Spiritual Virus Making You Function Abnormally? Jesus is the answer – the Great Physician. You can be a nice person but if you allow certain vices to control you, you become sick. Examples: Haman (Esther) & Saul (David) - their hatred transformed them into monsters. Dathan & Abiram and Tobias & Sanballat and their quest for power made them dangerous to authority figures like Moses and Nehemiah. Cain and envy of his brother led to murder. Remember that people who are sick with disease of hatred can infect others. The Bible warns us to be careful how we move with such people because we can learn their ways.
b) Blind People: There were also blind people who were unable to see because of injury, disease, or a congenital condition of the eye. Spiritually speaking, a person who is blind lacks perception, awareness, or discernment. It means you have no idea where you are. And if you do not know where you are, you will not be able to get where you need to be. Spiritually blind people are people with no vision or direction in life. What Is It That Makes People Spiritually Blind?
? Disbelief: Blocks many people’s view of God. Some can’t see God’s blessing through the joyful times and through the valleys perhaps because Satan has blinded many minds (2 Cor. 4:4). I have seen Christians blinded by the devil’s influence. The glory of Christ is shining, but they can’t see him or refuse to see him, or see it as luck or coincidence. Example: Mark 10:52 Be like Bartimaeus. When Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “….I want to see,” he replied. “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. When Jesus gives you sight, disbelief no longer blocks your vision and you can see His handiwork and follow Him!
? Sin: Sin causes damage by blocking our view of God, because God cannot look on sin. Psalm 40:12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see... Is there a sin in your life that has overtaken you so that you cannot see the blessings of God in your life? It doesn’t have to be something major. It could be a spirit of negativism where you only see bad; stubbornness brought on by pride; selfishness that refuses to see the needs of others; unresolved anger that blames others.
? Distraction: We are guilty of missing the blessings of God because we are distracted by busyness, stress, too much sleep or lack of sleep, much work or lack of work. Too much of anything, even something good, can take away from our view of God. Example: Job experienced distraction from God’s blessings due to his illness. Job 9:10-11 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. When he passes me, I cannot see him; when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.
? Doubt: There are moments when we doubt God’s presence and response in our situations. Doubting that God cares blocks our view of God’s blessing. Example: 2 Kings 6. King of Syria tried to stop Elisha from telling the King of Israel everything about his plans. His army surrounded Elisha and his servant feared. God opened his eyes and saw Heaven’s army. There are times when we doubt that God is near. We can’t see him. We can’t hear him. We don’t feel his presence. Circumstances have blocked our view of God. Pray for God to open your eyes.
c) Lame People: Unable to walk normally because of an injury or illness affecting the leg or foot. You may be able to get to your target, but you get there with much difficulty. Spiritually lame people have difficulty reaching goals. They may get there, but they encounter all kinds of impediments and it takes longer than the normal person. We experience spiritual lameness due to: a) Our own choices in life. b) Our attachments. c) Our belief systems. d) Family background. e) Oppressed by the enemy. f) Our low opinion of our selves – low self-esteem. g) What others think of us – race, education, etc.
d) Paralyzed People: Paralysis is a loss of muscle function in part of the body. It can be partial or whole, temporary or permanent, and natural or accidental. Most patients feel no pain in the paralyzed areas of their bodies and have no control over how those muscles move. Paralysis include medical condition such as a stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, etc. This man was completely disabled from the neck down. Other translations call him an Invalid. He was the worst of the worst. Spiritually speaking, these are people who have given up on life altogether. They do not have the zeal nor the stamina to move on. Maybe they have been disappointed so much, deceived so much that they trust no one and nothing. Their spirits are crushed and hurt. Whoever you are in this condition, Jesus loves you. It is not by accident that Jesus chose to heal the worst man - to make people know there is hope for everyone.
5. A Place Of Self-Pity (John 5:5-7): Self-Pity Makes Us Reject Help. John 5:5-7 “One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When 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?” 7“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
The Question Jesus Asked The Man In Verse 6: “Do you want to get better?” seems strange. If it was anybody else other than Jesus you would say; “What a stupid question, of course the man wants to get healed!” But when you think hard, it is actually a wise question. For 38 years he had been by the pool and he had developed a pattern of living that enabled him to cope. Although life was difficult, for 38 years he had managed to beg enough food to eat. He had other sick people around him who had become his friends. He was at ease in his comfort zone! Once he was healed everything would change - He would have to shoulder the responsibility for making a living. No more begging but would have to work for food. He would have to start a new relationship with his friends and associates. In summary, he would be starting life all over again; Jesus was asking him if he was prepared for that!
But What About Us? Are We? To experience the reality of Jesus Christ in our lives will mean being forced out of our comfort zones. Are we ready for the implications? May include repenting of sin and expressing a new loyalty to Jesus Christ! Notice: The man’s answer in verse 7: “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” He is still locked in to his own needs and looking for cure in suppositious means. Perhaps he’s hoping this stranger would help him in the pool.
HOW DO YOU BREAK THE CYCLE? RISE, TAKE UP YOUR BED, WALK.
6. It Was A Place Of Action That Leads To Deliverance (John 5:8-9a): 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
a) “Rise”: (Raising His personal expectancy). Jesus asked him to do what had been impossible. He invites him to take a step of faith. Often time that is what faith is - a step. Not a step in the darkness. But a step in the Word; an invitation from Jesus to trust him. Jesus is inviting somebody to Rise: Rise from your lameness. Rise from your fears. Rise from the pool of pity.
b) “Take Up Your Mat”: (Removing the past experiences). Do something (Mark 2: Burst the Roof.) Jesus then removes all possibility of Relapse. Whatever happens today, there will be no reason to return here to this mat. The mat symbolizes what he used to be. It symbolizes his helpless and hopeless condition. It was what he once lied upon; it was what once carried him. But now the mat will become your testimony. When mercy shows up in your life, take up your mat, because if you leave it there, it can draw you back. Mercy makes your burden a blessing. Your crutch becomes your confession.
c) “And Walk”: Do what you believe you can now do! No longer expect to be carried. Walk. No longer expect to be limited by your crippledness. No longer resigned to the life you lived.
7. It Was A Place That Brought Out The Worst In People! John 5:10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”
A man, who had suffered for 38 years, was healed and the Jewish leaders were angered because he had the nerve to carry his mat. Their anger wasn’t over some great sin - adultery, theft, or drunkenness. Isn’t that stupid? Have you ever been in a church where a simple change was suggested and people got upset? People are so stuck to simple things. If we want growth in our lives and the church, we must relax some rules that are not compromising of faith.
8. A Place That Required Total Commitment: John 5:14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.
Jesus said to the man (14): "Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you". Remarkable because after 38 years of sickness and suffering, he should have learned his lesson. But like most of us, he needed to be warned. Pay attention to God’s Word.
9. Give The Credit For Your Change To God Not People Or Yoruself: John 5:15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
The man gave the credit to God. Your Testimony must focus on God. No because you were smart or had contacts but because Jesus had mercy and showed. Too many of us boast when we ought to be telling of Jesus. We tell of pastors and great men of God when we should point to Jesus. It is fine to appreciate people, but miracles come from God.
CONCLUSION: YOU MUST BREAK THE CYCLE, BUT HOW?
What Cycle Do You Need To Break? You Have The Power To Do So Because Of Jesus.
1. Identify The Problem As A Problem. Don’t push anything under the rug or justify it.
2. Take Responsibility For It. Do not blame another person for your situation.
3. Resolve To Change. Do things differently. I suggest start by changing little things first.
4. Get Help. Get professional help if needed.
5. Remove Everyone Caught Up In Your Cycle. You may need to stay away from pessimistic, and gossiping friends. Don’t abandon them. You can help them when you’ve helped yourself.
6. Fill Your Mind With The Right Stuff. Spend more time with God. Read the Bible. Fellowship.
INTERCESSION AND FINAL WORDS
We All Have Cycles In Life That Need To Be Broken. You Can Break Yours Today.
