June 23
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THE HEALING AT BETHESDA
After these things 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 porticoes. 3 In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; 4 for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] 5 A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get 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, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk.– John 5:1-9
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The Easton bible dictionary says that Bethesda means a house of mercy, a reservoir or “a swimming bath” with five porches, close to the sheep-gate or market mentioned in Nehemiah 3:1 as well as John 5:2. Eusebius the historian (A.D. 330) calls it “the sheep-pool.” It is interesting that there were a multitude of sick people here waiting for the moving of the waters for them to get healed.
There was a man lying there who had been ill for 38 years according to verse 5. Why do you think Jesus picked this man among those many ill and sick people? The man was very vulnerable. He wasn’t able to get near the water and no one is helping him. Doesn’t it remind us of how many of us can be spiritually ill and have been many years unsaved, helpless to overcome our sins? Jesus asked the man if he wished to get well? Why did he have to ask that question when he knew very well the answer to that? We see that the desire to be healed was important for the miracle to happen otherwise, Jesus didn’t have to ask such question. If we are willing to rise up from our helplessness and follow the invitation of Jesus to be healed, we will receive a miracle. Acknowledging our helplessness is an act of humility. When Jesus asked the man to get up and walk, he followed and he was able to get healed. Three factors are important for miracles to happen. Faith that you will receive it, humility in your helplessness without God, and obedience to what He says.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think faith, humility and obedience are important in order for God to bring about miracles?