1 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 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. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When 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.” 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. – John 5:1-9
Quick History Moment:
The local tradition of the Pool of Bethesda was that every so often, an angel would trouble the waters, meaning it would stir the still waters and create movement. The first person to enter the troubled waters would be healed of their disability, infirmity or sickness. So it’s no surprise that as we read above, many who were blind, lame and paralyzed flocked to this pool.
Imagine for 38 years coming to the pool, hoping for your turn and opportunity. Imagine how faithful you have been to the pool and the idea of the troubled waters touching you. Imagine not knowing your hope was misplaced, because traditions and legends are nothing in comparison to Jesus.
Now however, Jesus is on the scene, unknown to you. It’s a Saturday afternoon and you’ve been staring hard at the water, looking for the first sign of movement. There’s several people to the left and right of you. Hours have passed but you still believe in the power of the tradition and hope today is going to be the day you make it in because someone will be kind enough to help. Indeed, you are right. Today is your day because the living water has just approached you!
Did you catch that?
A man waiting for water to transition from stillness to living movement, was seen and approached by the living water himself! A foreshadow of salvation, the healing power of the cross and spiritual refreshment!
When you remember the Pool of Bethesda remember this:
- Jesus sees you. [5:6]
- Jesus knows your suffering and its duration. [5:6]
- Know that Jesus is to be the object of your faith, not resources, legends or superstitions.
Some of you today may be waiting by the Pool of Bethesda. You feel like everyone else around is faster than you, there is no room for you or the opportunity has passed. Take heart because Jesus sees you, He knows you and soon he will ask you, “Do you want to get well?”. Keep the faith, keep Jesus the object of your faith and have your answer ready because he is near!
See you next week!
Things Above 
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