The Sick Man of the Bethesda Pool
The Sick Man of the Bethesda Pool
When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?"
"I can't Sir", the sick man said, "for no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there , someone else always gets in ahead of me. " John 5 : 6-7
The Pool of Bethesda, a place destined for the sick, the blind, the lame and the paralyzed. What a place of utter hopelessness. Among those sick people lying there was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. I don't know exactly how long had he been there at the Bethesda Pool, but I believe he had been there for quite a time and had made several attempts to get into the pool whenever the water of the pool is stirred up.
It was believed by the Jews, that an angel visits the pool every Jewish Holiday and stir the pool to bring healing to anyone on it. The sick man made several attempts to get healed but all his efforts turned to be in vain. He had been sick for thirty eight long years. It was thirty-eight years of misery, deprivation, idleness, poverty, hopelessness. He keeps coming back to the Bethesda pool, it is his only hope, no other way for him. But it is am almost impossible quest for healing.
Jesus saw his almost hopeless situation. And was moved with compassion to perform a miracle on his behalf. Finally hope was materialized in the life of the sick man. Jesus healed him instantly. He did not have to wait anymore for the angel to stir the pool. He did not have to stuggle to get ahead into the pool. Because of this healing, his life which once was idle will be useful. He did not have to beg anymore, he now can work and function normally. His life now can have dignity. He can now be a useful citizen of his nation..
All these beautiful changes happened in the life of the sick man , only because of the compassionate heart of Christ And he received it all for free. Truly Jesus is awesome ! .