A Poolside Miracle
I am excited to share with you a powerful message from John, chapter 5:1-15 this morning. This passage recounts the miraculous healing of a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. The story takes place at the Pool of Bethesda, a place where many who were sick and disabled sought healing.
In this remarkable story, we find Jesus visiting Jerusalem during a feast. As He approached the pool, He saw a man lying there who had been suffering for almost four decades. Jesus, full of compassion, asked him, “Do you want to get well?” The man explained his predicament, expressing his helplessness in getting into the pool when the water was stirred, a common belief that the first to enter the stirred water would be healed.
What happens next is truly awe-inspiring. Jesus simply tells the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Instantly, the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. This miracle took place on the Sabbath, causing quite a stir among the religious leaders who focused more on the violation of Sabbath laws than on the miracle of healing that had just occurred.
This story is a testament to Jesus’ transformative power and His deep compassion for those in need. The Pool of Bethesda symbolizes places in our lives where we feel stuck, hopeless, and helpless. Like the invalid man, we often find ourselves in situations where we’ve waited a long time for change and may have even lost hope.
Jesus’ question, “Do you want to get well?” is directed at each of us. It is an invitation to trust Him with our deepest wounds and our seemingly impossible situations. Jesus sees us, understands our struggles, and offers us the same power to rise, walk, and be whole.