HEALING AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA

Introduction: This miracle here is different from the first two miracles. The first miracle recorded by John, we see Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This miracle was a private one. The Bible says that even the head of the ceremony did not know where the wine had come from. The Second miracle, we see Jesus healing the official’s son (John 4:46-54). This is also a private one, because we do not see this son getting healed. We were told he was healed. BUT here in chapter 5, we see a first public miracle of Jesus. This miracle also occurs on the Sabbath which is a very significant thing in the life of Jesus and so John chapter 5 is where we’re at today starting in verse 1 it says some time later 

1. John 5:5 – “Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty- eight years.” 

The Bible is usually very specific when recording events, but here, we do not know this man’s name, nor if he was born paralyzed. All we know is that he hadn’t been able to walk for 38 years. How long is 38 years? Think about your life and think about the year 1985; that should give you some perspective. 

2. John 5:6 – “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time…” 

Just think about this little sentence: “. Jesus saw him; Jesus knew…” John 5:3 “In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed…” so Jesus walks in and the place is completely filled with invalids and the paralyzed and those needing help but Jesus looks at this one man, and He knew. Jesus knew his condition without the man ever saying anything to him and I’m not just talking about his condition to be paralyzed. I’m talking about his condition in life and where he was. It was like Jesus actually went into that place just for that man. As a believer, this phrase should give you comfort. Wherever you are, Jesus knows. Whatever is going on in your life, Jesus knows. Whatever struggle you are going through, Jesus knows. Whatever sin you are dealing with, Jesus knows. Nothing is hidden. from Him. He knows. Even when you put on this image that you’ve got everything under control, but in reality, it is a mess, Jesus knows. 

3. John 5:6 – “He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?””” Why would Jesus ask this question? This question sounds like a

ridiculous question. But think about it, do you know anyone who is content in their situation even though their situation is tragic? Do you know anyone who needs help and you offer help but they said “nope – I don’t need help, I am fine“? How about this: this man hasn’t done any work in 38 years, he has experience in nothing; probable couldn’t read or write; zero job experience. What happens after he gets healed? What job is he going to do? Who is going to feed him? What Jesus is asking is this: “ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY SURE 

YOU WANT TO BE DELIVERED FROM THIS STATE”? “ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU ARE READY TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCE OF BEING HEALED”? 

Jesus asks us this same question all the time. Do you want to be healed? 

4. John 5:7 – “The Picture of hopelessness” 

When you put your hope in the wrong thing or the wrong person, you focus so much on the wrong thing, and you miss the one you should be source of your hope. Don’t we do think sometimes? When I get married – then I will serve the Lord; when I get that job – then I will tithe; when I learn Russian language – then I will preach to unbelievers … where is your hope? Is it in the wrong thing or Jesus? 

5. John 5: 8-9 “When Jesus steps in – impossible becomes possible” 

Who says Jesus doesn’t have a sense of humor? Look at that sentence in John 5:8 – “Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Jesus asks him to do the very thing he isn’t able to do. But the moment Jesus speaks, the healing power was made available to him. Now it is at this point that a lot of 21st century Christians miss it because of too much head knowledge and book knowledge. How many of you have been healed but you are still sitting paralyzed on your bed? This man could have just sat there, but the Bible says in John 5:9 – “And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.” 

6. John 5:10 – “Religion or Jesus” 

One of the biggest problems we have today is religion or religious spirit. When you care more about the dos and don’ts and you miss Jesus or what Jesus is doing. 

Conclusion: Jesus is our only hope. Religion can’t get us there; putting your hope in the wrong things and the wrong people won’t get you there, only Jesus can and will get you there ONLY IF YOU SAY YES TO HIM. Are there areas in your life where you have been ignoring Jesus? Come to Jesus. 

1. Are you in the place of hopelessness? Jesus is the hope 
2. Are you putting your deliverance in something or someone else other than Jesus? Jesus and only Jesus is the answer.

3. What is God calling you to do? Do not be afraid, He who calls you will empower you to do what He has called you to do.

Let us pray.