****John 5:1-9

John 5:1–9 (NRSV)

1 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3 In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath.

The Great Physician John 5: 1-9

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a place that people could find help and healing for whatever need they faced? A place that was available to all, regardless of their financial or social position, a place that never lacked the resources or ability to provide even the greatest need. Well, there is such a place. It isn’t found among the big cities or medical centers, but at the feet of the Great Physician. Our text reveals a miracle that was performed in the life of a man in desperate need. As we consider the events of that day, I trust you will be encouraged to seek Jesus for your needs, especially those needs of the soul. I want to look at the great truths that are found in the text as we consider:

The Great Physician.

I. The Comparison of the Multitude (2-4) – Vv.2-3 – Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. There was a pool called Bethesda, “house of mercy,” by the sheep market that had five porches around it. This was a time of the feast held at Jerusalem. During these times the city was filled with people desiring to take part in the feast. No doubt, many had been brought to the pool during this time, seeking healing. There is a striking resemblance to those at the pool and the lost world around us.

A. The Abundance of the Multitude (3) – In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. There was a great multitude of folks laying on the porches at Bethesda. These were all sick folks, unable to care for themselves.

 We have a lot of sick people in our world today, but I want to consider this from a spiritual perspective. Our world is filled with those who are sin sick, those who’ve never trusted Christ as their Savior. This is nothing new; Jesus spoke of the multitude of lost folk in John 4:35 – Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. More and more, our world is increasing with people, many of whom have never heard the gospel. That ought to challenge us to be a witness for Jesus. B. The Affliction in the Multitude (3) – These were impotent, blind, halt, and withered. This would’ve been a pitiful sight to behold, a great multitude totally helpless and hopeless, blind, lame, and wretched.

 That is just like the lost man today, a pitiful sight to behold. He may be healthy, living a good life, even prospering, as far as we can tell; but, within his soul, he is blind to the ways of God, crippled by the sin that dominates his life. There are many who seem to have everything in order, life is good, but they are lost in sin. When sin is finished, it brings forth death.

 I believe the man who lives without Christ is the most needful man on earth. I’m sure we all have friends and loved ones who need a touch of God!

C. The Anticipation of the Multitude (3-4) – In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. This whole crowd was there for one reason; they were waiting for the moving of the water. They were hoping for a chance to be made whole, to be freed from their infirmities.

 We live in a world of hurting people, those miserable in life, waiting for things to get better. They may stand, look you in the eye, and say they are happy, but deep down they are longing for a change. They are seeking for a means to ease the pain, a way to find some joy, something to bring peace to their troubled hearts.

 Jesus was in the midst, but they never recognized Him. He had the power to heal them all, but they were looking to the pool. Jesus is the source for healing. He is right for whatever’s wrong in your life. He can fill that void in your life, heal the suffering, and give you hope through His glorious salvation. We need to get those who need healing to the feet of the Great Physician. If only they could recognize Jesus and trust in Him, they could be made whole.

I. The Comparison of the Multitude II. The Condition of the Man (2-4) – Of the multitude there, our text focuses on one man. He was like the others, a man in need. Through the description of his condition, we can learn much about the condition of mankind.

A. The Duration of His Condition (5) – And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. The man had endured his awful condition for 38 years. It is possible he was born that way, never knowing the joys of life. We have no specifics about his condition, but it is clear that he was helpless. He had been this way so long, he likely wondered if he would ever be made whole.

 There are many today who have been crippled by sin for many years. They are helpless within themselves to find healing. Some even get to the place they feel there is no hope.

 Never let Satan deceive you into believing that lie. As long as you have breath in your body it’s not too late to find forgiveness. You are not here by accident today. God brought you here for a purpose.

 One thing is clear from the life of this man; his condition didn’t improve with time. He is none better this day than he was 38 years ago. Sin doesn’t get better with time. People may get used to a life of sin, but it doesn’t go away. Jesus is the only cure. Each of us was born in sin and until we get to Jesus, we will remain in sin. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

B. The Disregard of His Condition (7a) – The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: The man lay at the pool hoping to be healed, but he had no one to help him. He had no friends to carry him to the pool. We find no record of anyone caring for the man.

 That is much the way this world is. As long as you have something of benefit to offer, you’ll have friends; but when times get hard, they are nowhere to be found. This world doesn’t love you. It will not care for you or meet your needs. When you are no longer useful or needed, you’ll be dropped like yesterday’s newspaper.

 The truth is, Satan doesn’t want you to find help in Jesus and he has none to offer. He wants to lure you in, but then leave you stranded. He doesn’t show the other side of sin. This world is only concerned with fulfilling its desires. If you’re looking to this world, it will let you down.

C. The Distress of His Condition (7b) – but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. He had no help; there was no way he could make it to the pool himself. We don’t know how often he was laid at the pool or how often the water was troubled, but I’m sure he had faced disappointment many times before.

 Imagine his condition, desperately trying to make it, just to see someone else step into the pool. Every time he saw his hopes for healing shattered. He was left to wait, in misery, until the water was troubled again. A life of sin and rejection of Christ will lead to despair. No matter how much he tried or wanted healing, he came up short each time.

 Man can try everything this world offers, but until he gets to Jesus he will remain in his awful condition. People are looking everywhere to find help for their soul, except in Jesus. All of the good works, church attendance, support groups, etc. will leave you in despair if Jesus isn’t Lord of your life. If you’re tired of coming up short, come to Jesus!

 If God has spoken to you, today is the day of salvation. Don’t put Him off and have to wait for the waters of your soul to be troubled again! You aren’t promised another opportunity!

I. The Comparison of the Multitude

II. The Condition of the Man

III. The Compassion of the Messiah (2-4) – The multitude sought a stirring of the water and one found a stirring in his soul. It was on that day he encountered a compassionate Lord. Notice what Jesus did for him.

A. He Came to Him (6a) – When Jesus saw him lie. Jesus saw the man lying in his infirmity. There was a multitude of people there and Jesus came to this one. He could’ve stopped at any sick bed, but He chose this one. That is nothing short of God’s grace. He was no different than the others, they all needed healing.

 I’m glad for the day Jesus came by my way. I was wretched and lost, in a pitiful condition like so many others. Thank God He came to where I was. Jesus works on an individual basis. Had He healed someone else, this man wouldn’t have benefited. It takes a personal touch. The salvation of others is wonderful, but it isn’t sufficient for us. We too must come to Jesus.

B. He Cared for Him (6b) – When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case. Jesus knew the condition of the man and why he was that way.

Notice V.14 – Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. Jesus looked beyond his faults, failures, and problems and saw his need. Jesus was well aware that all he needed was a touch from the Master.

 He knows about us as well. He knows the secrets of our hearts, the sin and guilt of our lives, and yet He willingly went to Calvary for us. Jesus looked beyond our fault and saw our need. He isn’t looking for your righteousness; He is looking to meet your need!

C. He Called to Him (6c) – Wilt thou be made whole. Jesus spoke to the man. He gave him the opportunity to respond to His offer. There’s no doubt Jesus had the power to heal, but the man needed faith to receive. He had to trust in Jesus for healing.

 Jesus still speaks today, calling lost sinners to repentance. Wilt thou be made whole? Healing can be found for those who believe.

D. He Immediately Changed Him (8-9) – Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

[9]And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. What a difference the Lord makes. All the pain and misery of 38 years was gone at the word of our Lord. He was completely healed of his infirmity. He doesn’t have to come back for an adjustment or check up.

 When Jesus changes a life, it doesn’t take days or weeks; it is instant! He can take a heart that is filled with sin and create a new life immediately. Jesus can do that for you today. Why wait and miss His touch. You’ll never be sorry for trusting the Lord! Conclusion: Jesus is in our midst today. Don’t be like all of those who missed His touch. You can have abundant life today. He is able to bring healing to your soul. Why not come as the Lord leads?

John 5:1-9 JESUS: THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

Intro: John's Gospel is different from the others in that his primary goal is not to give men a historical treatment of the life of Jesus. John's purpose is to exalt the person of Jesus so that men believe on Him and be saved, John 20:30-31. In order to elevate Jesus to the proper level, John presents Jesus in a new way in every chapter of his book. We are looking at these portraits of Jesus in John's gallery as we journey through John together. In these verses, Jesus is presented to us as The Great Physician.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a physician who became wealthy, having discovered a cure for a fatal disease. After some time, when he knew he would not be living much longer, he decided to give his wealth to some people in real need.

"One day he went out on the street and found a man lying of the sidewalk, hungry, hopeless, and almost naked. The doctor took pity on him and extended to him a bank card. He said to him, 'Take this card. It gives you access to a bank account with $100,000,000. You must make withdrawals every day for all your needs and to help others as much as you can.'

"The outcast looked at the card. He looked at the physician. He looked at the card again. He couldn't believe anything the good man said. 'Could it be,' he thought, 'that this stranger has gone out of his mind?' Angrily, he grabbed the card threw it away, spat on his would-be benefactor, and returned to his sidewalk bed.

"The doctor continued his search. He found a poor woman in an equally sad situation. He made the same offer to her, and she accepted the card happily but did not go to the bank immediately. As the day dragged on, she got distracted by her problems and lost the card--the very card that could have solved her problems. And she made no attempt to find the doctor.

"Not long after that, the physician found another man in desperate need and offered him the same deal. The man took the card thankfully and was careful to keep it with him at all times. Wherever he went, he proudly showed his bank card and spoke enthusiastically about the immense amount of money he had in his account. 'I'm rich,' he would say, 'and have need of nothing.' But he was still dressed in rags, still terribly sick, still dirty, disheveled, and hungry, and still dependent on handouts. Whenever he said he was rich, nobody would believe him because he lived just as he did before accepting the bank card.

"Another woman caught the famous physician's eye. She was in the greatest need of all: deathly sick, thin, and weak. The rich man made the same offer to her: 'Take this card. It represents all that you need and more. You must make withdrawals every day for all your needs and for the needs of those around you.' She took the card in her trembling hands and saw her very own name on it. She thanked the rich man and went straightaway to the bank. She walked up to the teller, presented the card, and dared to ask for $100. She could not yet fully understand the vast riches at her disposal. The teller was a friend of the wealthy doctor and was aware of his offers. She could see the woman's true distress and kindly responded, 'Is that all you need? You'll earn more in interest in the time it takes me to count it out than what you asked for!' The woman, in total disbelief, then asked for what she thought was a staggering sum--$5,000.

"The woman rented a small apartment, bought food and new clothes, took a badly needed bath, and went to the rich physician for healing of her sickness as well as advice on how to prevent its recurrence. The woman began to live as much like a rich person as she knew how and sought to imitate the only wealthy person with whom she was acquainted--the physician. Following the instructions given her, the woman went to the bank every day to make withdrawals and shared her wealth with others in need."

This little parable illustrates for us the truth of what Jesus desires to do for everyone of us this morning. He longs to take us from where are and bring us to where we need to be. As we go through this passage this morning, we are going to have the opportunity to see the Great Physician in action. Let's observe Him as He delivers this man from the bondage of his affliction and as we do, please know that He can do the same for you if you will allow Him the opportunity. This morning, let's look together at Jesus: The Great Physician.

I. V. 1-5 A SICK MAN

A. V. 5 His Wretched Condition

1. He Is A Disabled Man - According to the Scriptures, this man had lived with this infirmity for 38 years. He had been sick longer than Jesus had been on the earth! The Bible says that this man had an "infirmity." This word means that he had some weakness or frailness that prevented him from walking about as other men. (Ill. What a picture of the sinner who is lost and separated from God by his sins - Isa. 59:2; Rom. 3:23. Regardless of what he tries, the sinner is still lost and unable to walk in the ways of the Lord. The sinner may be able to put on a good show and have all the appearances of being right with God, but the fact remains that God knows the heart of the sinner and He knows that the sinner is still dead until he tastes of the life that can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ - Eph. 2:1-3.) (Ill. Many lost people feel that their lives are going along well and they need nothing. Sadly, the lost sinner is in more trouble than he could ever believe. To live your life without God is one thing. After all, you never really miss something you never have. But, to die without God is a terrible thing! For there is only one destination for the lost sinner, and that is Hell - Psa. 9:17; 2 Thes. 1:8-9.)

2. He Is A Desperate Man - The very fact that he is here at this pool in his condition is proof positive that this man is desperate for healing. Imagine him dragging his broken body toward that pool. (Ill. Sadly, there are too few sinners who are desperate about their spiritual condition. Many live their lives as if they will go on indefinitely. In truth, life is nothing more than a brief pause between 2 very long eternities. This life is simply a time of preparation. One day, it will end and then it will be too late to do anything about your lost condition. Please don't be guilty of presuming on tomorrow. Time may just run out on you - James 4:14; Pro. 27:1.) (Ill. I am convinced that there are very few people who genuinely desire to go to Hell when they die. Most, if not all, humans want the assurance that they will be in Heaven when their time down here ends. There is only one way to accomplish this; you must come to Jesus Christ and receive Him as your Savior. Acts 4:12; John 14:6) 3. V. 7 He Is A Disappointed Man - He tells Jesus that every time he is about to get into the water, someone else beats him there and goes away with the healing instead. Year after year, he has seen his hopes and dream shattered as another person beats him into the healing waters. (Ill. Again, we can see the sinner in this scenario. A man can try many things to bring peace and salvation to the soul. He can try works, religion, goodness, giving, praying, etc, but none of these things will ever be able to save the soul of man. It takes the blood of Jesus to accomplish this. Whatever you may decide to try, outside of Jesus, you will be sadly disappointed. Men may receive you as being righteous and worthy, but it takes the shed blood of Jesus to make the sinner truly worthy of Heaven, 1 Pet. 1:18-19!)

B. V. 3 His Wretched Companions - This man was surrounded by others who were in the same shape as himself. They offered him no comfort and they offered him no help. They were as desperate as he was to be released from their own prisons. Even if these people had been able to help this man get into the pool when the time came, I am sure that it would have been every man for himself! They wouldn't have helped him, because they needed the healing for themselves! (Ill. Again, this is a sad, but true, picture of the lost sinner. These sad people picture the sinner in all of his helplessness, his brokenness, his blindness and his uselessness before the Lord, Eph. 2:12. He is surrounded by others who are in the same boat. Others who are just as lost as he is and others who can no more help him than he can help them. But, as they say, misery loves company! Often, sinners will surround themselves with others who are as bad, or often who are worse than, they themselves are. This is a vain attempt to justify their condition.)

I. The Sick Man

II. V. 6a A SYMPATHETIC MESSIAH

(Ill. Jesus is pictured here as the compassionate Savior. He is shown doing three great works that prove this true.)

A. He Is Shown Choosing The Sinner - According to the Bible's own witness, there was a "great multitude" there that day. Jesus could have gone to any person in that place, yet for His own reasons, He went to this man. This is nothing but pure grace! (Ill. What a picture of Jesus and His work in salvation. He passes by and knocks on our heart's door, John 6:44. He reaches out to us in love and calls us unto Himself, Jer. 31:3; Matt. 11:28. When the sinner responds in faith, Rom. 10:9-10, Jesus comes in and works the work of salvation in our hearts and lives, Rom. 10:13. This is a work of grace and grace alone! After all, we have done nothing to deserve His love. We have done nothing to earn our salvation. We have done nothing to even make God notice us. Yet, He chooses to love us just because He is God! I praise the Lord for the day when He chose me! He could have passed by and left me bound for Hell, but He didn't! Thank God He stopped where I was, helpless and broken by sin and He reached out to me! All I had to do was say "Yes!".) (Ill. Now, don't miss understand me! I am not saying that God has some handpicked to go to Heaven and others handpicked to go to Hell. All I am saying is that the sinner is dead in his sins until Jesus comes along and awakens the heart. Then and only then can the sinner be saved! All are called, but far fewer are chosen!) B. He Is Shown Caring For The Sinner - Jesus knew everything there was to know about this man! He knew that he was crippled, that he was unable to walk, that he was unable to stand and carry his own bed. Jesus knew that this man was totally dependent upon others for everything he had in life. Yet, Jesus reached out to him anyway! What a picture of His grace! (Ill. Bethesda = "House of Grace.")

(Ill. Jesus knows all about the condition of the sinner. He knows that we love our sins, that we cannot control our passions, that we desire the things of the world that gratify this old flesh, yet He loves us still! Jesus refuses to look at man as he is and chooses rather to see man as he can become through the power of grace. Jesus looks beyond our faults and our failures and cares for us in spite of our sins. Isn't it an awesome thought that Jesus knows every lowdown thing we have ever done, yet He loves us? That He knows all our evil thoughts yet He loves us? That He knows we will fail over and over again as the years go by, yet He loves us? I say glory to God! What a testimony of the amazing grace of Almighty God! I am so glad that God loves Old Sinners - Mark 2:17.)

C. He Is Shown Coming To The Sinner - In what may be the greatest move of all, Jesus literally comes to where this poor man is lying and reaches out to him in genuine grace and love. (Ill. It is one thing for Jesus to love us and to do so in spite of our wickedness. However, it isn't until He actually comes to us that we have the opportunity for salvation. There are 3 ways in which Jesus comes to the sinner.

1. He Came As A Sacrifice - The first time Jesus came, He came to die! He went to Calvary and gave His life a ransom for sinner. When He died on that cross, He took your sins upon Himself and paid the price for your redemption. Jesus suffered every agony of Calvary in your place. He became your sin and suffered the awesome wrath of God so that you wouldn't have to, 2 Cor. 5:21.

2. He Comes As A Savior - Today, when Jesus comes to the sinner, he comes as Savior. He comes as One offering eternal life to all who will receive Him into their hearts and lives. Jesus is here this morning in this capacity. He desires more than anything for you to be saved and for you to miss Hell. He knows all there is to know about you and your life, yet He still calls you to come unto Himself. If you will respond in faith, He will not deny you salvation, John 6:37. 3. He Comes As Sovereign - One day, if the sinner doesn't respond to the Gospel message and come to Jesus, he will find himself facing Jesus as judge. The same Jesus who has the power to save you today, will one day have the power to sentence you to the lake of fire, Rev. 20:11-15. If Jesus is not received as Savior, He will be face as Judge - John 5:22. (Please do not presume upon the grace and goodness of God. If anything, take the opportunity God gives and run to Him for salvation.)

I. A Sick Man

II. A Sympathetic Messiah

III. V. 6b-9 A STRIKING MIRACLE

A. There Is An Offer - Jesus asks the man if he would like to be healed. The man responds by appealing to the flesh and tells Jesus that he has no one to help him into the pool. (Ill. This man is guilty of the same thing that so many others are guilty of, he is confusing the physical with the spiritual. Jesus came to offer him physical healing from a spiritual source, but this man still has his eye on the what he can accomplish.) (Ill. Even today, Jesus comes to the lost sinner and makes an offer of salvation. The common responses are, I am not good enough, I can't hold out, I have been too wicked, It won't work for me, etc. The problem is that sinners are looking for a physical solution to a spiritual problem. The sinner needs to be saved! That is something that no man can do for himself! It takes the power of God, the conviction of the Spirit and the blood of Jesus to accomplish this for the sinner. If Jesus is calling you to come to Him, then do not tarry, but obey and come to the Lord for salvation.) B. There Is An Order - Jesus tells the man to get up and walk. Jesus just told this man to do something that he hasn't been able to do in 38 years, if ever. To me, this is a pretty incredible command! However, all that was required on the part of this man is simple, child like faith and obedience to the call of Jesus.

(Ill. When the call comes to the sinner lost in his sins, the only necessary response is faith! Jesus comes to men who have lived their entire lives in the grip of sin. He passes by and says, "Get out of the gutter and follow me!" Men refuse because it sounds too simple. It is! Jesus doesn't require perfection; He just requires faith in Him! I suppose that is why it is so easy for little children to be saved. They are used to depending on others for what they need. Mama and daddy take care of everything, so it is easy for them to trust Jesus and be saved! However, adults are different. We are conditioned to make our own way in the world. We are taught to stand on our own too feet. I believe that we need a dose of childishness in our lives - Mark. 10:15.)

C. There Is An Outpouring - When this man responded to Jesus' command by faith, he was immediately healed and he was able to get up an walk. This miracle required no in put from the crippled man, all he had to do was get up and walk at the command of Christ.

(Ill. Salvation works the exact same way. Jesus comes to the sinner and calls him to salvation. All that is required of the sinner is humble obedience to the call of Jesus. When this obedience comes, the sinner is immediately and instantly made right with God, transformed into God's child, delivered from wrath and made an heir of all that Heaven has to offer. All of this simply because the sinner turns to the Savior in pure, humble faith.)

(Ill. Jesus Christ has the power to take any life that is broken and ruined by sin and make it over again. He is all-powerful, all-saving and awesome! He will lift you out of the affliction of your sins if you will only come to Him when He calls you.)

Conc: Jesus demonstrates His power as the Great Physician by healing this man's body. However, there is no indication that this man ever became a believer in Jesus, v. 10-15. What a sad thing to come face to face with Jesus, experience His power and know His touch, yet go on in sin without Him an perish, lost, into Hell forever. What a sad thing! You see, the important thing to remember about Jesus as The Great Physician is not that He can heal the body, but that He can heal the soul! If he heals the body, that is wonderful ,but eventually, the body will still perish. However, what Jesus does for the soul is eternal. Are you saved today? Maybe you would have to confess that the Lord has been dealing with you and you know you need to come to Jesus. Why put it off any longer? While He is passing by, take the time to come to Him this morning. He will save you from sin and deliver you from Hell. And that, after all, is what you really want and

The Wonder Worker (Help for the Hopeless! (John 5:1–9))

Help for the Hopeless!

(John 5:1–9)

Many in the world have lost hope, many are past hope, many hold on to hope, and some don’t even care. Hope is a good thing, an encouraging thing, and hope helps people go the extra mile. There comes a time in the life of every person where it seems that all hope is gone.

• When we’ve exhausted every avenue,

• tried every method,

• put forth our best effort,

• and things have not changed,

• we tend to lose hope.

Many in the world that we live in today don’t want hope and they don’t want help. We live in a self-reliant, self-dependant, self-made, and self-sufficient society. Pride gets in the way for many folks receiving help because they will not ask for help and they do not believe in hope. This mindset has infiltrated society and even in the church to some extent.

In an episode of “Little House on the Prairie” Laura had a little friend named Olga. Olga had a handicap because one of her legs was shorter than the other. Olga couldn’t do what other little kids her age could do. She couldn’t run and play with her friends. Laura was concerned for her friend and Mr. Ingles knew the situation. So he went to the home of Olga to talk to her father.

Olga’s mother had passed away and the father was a hard and bitter man. Mr. Ingles wanted permission to work on and build a shoe for Olga’s foot that would help her walk without a cane, and run and play like all the rest of the children. Olga’s father would have no part of it and he was very rude to Mr. Ingles. Olga’s father told Mr. Ingles, “God made Olga that way and we have accepted that.” Mr. Ingles said to Olga’s father, “We have a saying around here, “The good Lord helps those who help themselves!” That sounds real nice and wise, but that is not the facts.

→ We learn that God helps those who cannot help themselves.

God helps us physically, financially, and most importantly He helps us spiritually. We cannot help ourselves without the grace of God. God helps those who cannot help themselves. We need to change the way we think about certain things and just humble ourselves and admit our great need.

In this passage John announced the sickness of the man and the Source of the miracle. Hope is always near when Jesus is here. I want to challenge people to trust the Lord Jesus and His power to renew their hope and faith in Him. Has your circumstances got the best of you? Is the trial you’re facing robbed you of hope? Do you feel that your situation is hopeless? This passage reveals some facts about help for the hopeless!

I. The congregating of the multitudes. (vs. 1–4)

A. The place of the congregating. (vs. 1–2)

“After this 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 porches.”

This miracle takes place in Jerusalem. The Lord Jesus had traveled to Jerusalem and there was a feast in the city at that time. John informs us that at Jerusalem at the time of a feast the Lord Jesus appeared on the scene. There was much going on in Jerusalem on any day, but during feasts there was a greater number of people and the city was busy with excitement and religious activity. John is careful to give us the site, surroundings, and situation involved in this miracle. We learn that there was a great congregation of hurting people at the pool by the Sheep Gate. The Sheep Gate was the place where they would bring in all the lambs to be sacrificed after they had been inspected and made ready for sacrifice. It was in this area where a pool was located.

John lets us know that the pool was called Bethesda in Hebrew. Bethesda means ‘house of mercy or house of pity.’ It was indeed going to be a house of mercy for one man on this day. This place had five porches or coverings that the multitude gathered in and around to be near the pool. Porches: (stoa, sto-ah); a colonnade or interior piazza, porch.

John paints us a vivid picture of the place of the congregating. It is interesting to note that in all of the city and in all of the temple area, the Lord Jesus would be found in the Northeast corner by the sheep gate around the sick, wounded, helpless, and hopeless. That is His ministry and we get a clear picture of His heart and work. We’ve seen the place of the congregating, next, we see:

B. The people that congregated. (vs. 3)

“In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.”

John describes the place of the congregating and then he describes the people that congregated. In the five porches surrounding the pool lay a great multitude. Multitude: (plethos, play’-thos) a fullness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace, bundle, company, multitude. There were a great number of people around the pool. John describes the multitude as sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed. These folks were without strength, without sight, and they could not function. This reminds us that sickness is ever present around us. Men and women are often prone to illnesses. These sicknesses picture sinful man in his helplessness, blindness, lameness, and uselessness. These folks were the worst of the worse. They were in bad shape. They couldn’t get to the pool on their own and they couldn’t get in the pool on their own. These people needed some help. From the surface the presence of the people at the pool shouted that every one of them wanted to be healed. We don’t know how they had gotten there but their desire to be at the pool showed their desire to be healed from their sickness. They recognized their condition and these people were there for a reason. There are hurting and helpless people all around us today! They are hurting mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. There are those who wait for help! People are in need of help and those who had need congregated together! We’ve noticed the place of the congregating, the people that congregated, and next, we see:

C. The purpose of the congregating. (vs. 4)

“For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.”

Man has always been drawn to people and places that supposedly have healing properties! Most of the time people gather in vain. Several years ago in Tlacote, Mexico, five thousand to ten thousand people a day stood in line for over a mile to get water from Jesus’ Chahin’s well to cure their illness. When a sick farm dog recovered swiftly after lapping some of the water, Chahin started giving it away. Once the word got out, people traveled from as far away as Europe and Russia. The health department tested the water and found it to be normal.

But Chahin said it weighs less than normal water, a fact to which he attributed its healing properties. It is supposed to have cured AIDS, blindness, lameness, cancer, obesity, high cholesterol, and a number of other diseases. The following year, a spring of healing water was discovered in a cave in Germany, east of Dusseldorf. People claimed it healed blindness, bad backs, rheumatism, and high blood pressure.

A few months later, water began gushing out of a deserted well north of Deli, India. People who bathed in it said that they were healed of skin diseases, polio, and other illnesses.

We tend to be skeptical when we hear of faith healers and faith healings and places that produce healings. But in this account we know that many invalids, sick, and hurting people gathered around the pool of Bethsaida because there was something supernatural going on!

In verse 4 John reveals the reason that the multitude came together at the pool at Bethesda. The Bible says that an angel would come down to the pool at a certain time.

Time: (KJV: Season) kairos, (kahee-ros’) an occasion, i.e. set or proper time, always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. The angel came at a proper time. The multitude never knew so they gathered to be ready for the coming of the angel. The coming of the angel is a picture of the mercy of the Lord! The Lord is compassionate towards people! The angel came and stirred up the water. S

tirred: (KJV: Troubled) the angel came to stir and agitate the water.

It was a known fact that the first one into the pool after the stirring of the water would be made well of whatever disease or sickness they had.

Early church father Tertullian (145–220 A. D) wrote, “An angel, by his intervention, was wont to stir the pool at Bethsaida. They who were complaining of ill health used to watch for him; for whoever was the first to descend into these waters, after his washing ceased to complain.”

The people were there for a purpose. If we were in their condition and position we probably would have been at the pool as well. The multitude congregated for a purpose and they were waiting on the coming of the angel. The Bible says that “whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.”

Charles Swindoll said, “Around the symbol of life lay desperately sick people, all waiting to race each other in a pathetic scramble of invalids in which healing went to the least needy person among them.”

Those who were in the worst physical condition had the least chance of getting into the water first. Those who were in the better physical condition had the better shot at getting to the pool and in the pool first. This sounds like a depressing way to seek healing! We’ve seen the congregating of the multitude, next, we see:

II. The condition of the man. (vs. 5, 7)

A. The time of his illness. (vs. 5)

“Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.”

The apostle John points out one man that was in a bad condition for a long time. He was there at the pool that day and probably many days before. This man was in bad shape and John tells us that he had an infirmity thirty-eight years. Infirmity: This man had a sickness, disease for many years. This man was in desperate straits and it was a prolonged case. Over the days, weeks, months, and years this man’s hope must have diminished. From our perspective this man was a hopeless case. When all hope is gone that’s an awful place to be. This man could have asked, “Is there any hope?”

Years ago an S-4 submarine was rammed by a ship off the coast of Massachusetts. It sank immediately. The entire crew was trapped in a prison house of death. Every effort was made to rescue the crew, but all ultimately failed. Near the end of the ordeal, a deep-sea diver, who was doing everything in his power to find a way for the crew’s release, thought he heard a tapping on the steel wall of the sunken sub. He placed his helmet up against the side of the vessel and he realized it was the Morse Code. He attached himself to the side and he spelled out in his mind the message being tapped from within. It was repeating the same question. The question was, from within: ‘Is … there … any … hope?’

I believe after thirty-eight years this man could have sung the same tune! Is there any hope! To us today it would seem after all this time the man was doomed to live all his days in this condition. Kenneth Gangel reminds us, “The length and extent of the man’s illness presented no problem for Jesus.” This man was in bad shape and this was a prolonged problem. We’ve seen the time of his illness. Next, we see:

B. The trouble of his illness. (vs. 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.”

This man obviously had someone to bring him to the pool, but didn’t have anyone to put him in the pool. He had a friend and/or family member to bring him to the pool, but he had no one to stay with him at the pool. There was no one watching with him, waiting on the coming of the angel, no one who would fight to get their friend into the pool. There were no fellow invalids who were stepping aside and allowing this man to go first! This man’s sickness prevented him from beating anyone into the pool much less being the first one in the pool. The sick man told Jesus that when the water was stirred and when he was coming to the pool someone else gets down into the pool first. This must had happened time and time again. This man didn’t have a friend to help him down into the pool. Put: The Greek word means “to cast, to throw.” This word indicates the hasty movement that was required to bring the man to the water. Every time the water was stirred the man found that another beat him to the pool. He was a step behind every time.

It’s bad to be a step behind. In a race the runner may run hard but if he’s a step behind at the finish line there’s no way he can win. There are days we all feel like we’re a step behind. We may have a hundred things to do or we may have an appointment or deadline and we seem to be running behind. It seems every time that I’m running behind for an appointment that I get behind every slow truck or tractor and it never fails that it slows me down and prolongs the trip. At times I feel like I’m a step behind. This man’s illness gave him trouble daily and prevented him from the prospect of getting healed by getting into the pool. We’ve noticed the congregating of the multitudes, the condition of the man, next we see:

III. The concern of the Master. (vs. 6)

“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

The Lord’s compassion and concern is again shown in this verse of scripture. Not many, if any, well people hung around the pools all day with the sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed.

Well people had businesses to run, jobs to do, and didn’t have time to wait around a bunch of invalids all day.

As Messiah, Jesus shows His compassion by being at the pool with the sick, hurting, and helpless. The Lord saw this man lying there by the pool and He was concerned for the man. Thank God He has been concerned for all of men. His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection shows that He is concerned about you and I.

John tells us that the Lord Jesus knew that this man had been in that condition for a long time. The Omniscience of our Lord is shown in this passage. He is the all-knowing Son of the Living God. Herbert Lockyer wrote, “Our Lord’s omniscience is emphasized in that He knew that the infirm man had been in such a predicament for a long time. Now at the pool, omnipotence met impotence.” The Lord knows our condition and how long we’ve been in a position. Nothing is too great for our Lord.

Notice what Jesus asks this man! “He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” Remember in verse three John had told us that a multitude of sick people, blind, lame, and paralyzed lay waiting for the moving of the water. The colonnade was full of the infirm. The Lord Jesus came and found one man—he said to this particular man “Do you want to be made well?”

→ This reminds me that the Lord didn’t just come to heal the sick, but He came to save the lost!

If Jesus wanted everyone healed He would have healed everyone! Reminder: It is not always the Lord’s will to heal physical diseases, infirmities, and sicknesses! The man was at the pool and he had to make arrangements for someone to bring him there. Obviously this man wanted to be healed. It would seem that way from the outward appearance, but the Lord Jesus knows the heart.

John Phillips wrote, “Whatever may or may not be said about the sovereignty of God in human salvation, one thing is sure. The human will plays its part. Divine omnipotence never violates the sanctity of the will. God does not ravish; He woos. The Lord will neither heal nor save people against their will.”

The Lord wants the man to answer that question in his own heart.

• Being at the pool is not enough!

• You can still be at the pool and not believe that you will be healed.

• Being at church is not enough!

• You can come to

• church week after week,

• hear sermon after sermon,

• set through invitation after invitation

• and still leave the church lost

• and on your way to hell.

The Lord knows why he was at the pool and He knows why we are at church. Some people do not want to be healed! They do not want to be made well! Herschel Ford made an interesting observation. He said, “Some invalids don’t want to get well. They like the sympathy they get; they like the attention they receive. Some people enjoy poor health. Ask them how they feel and they begin with last Thursday and tell you every ache and pain they have had since that time. And they have a big time telling you the story.”

The question of our Lord challenges the sincerity of this man’s heart. The man needed to ask himself, ‘Do I really want to be made well?’ The Lord’s question showed His concern for the man and his condition.

J. C Ryle wrote, “This (miracle) is just one among many examples of our Lord Jesus Christ’s kindness and compassion. He is full of undeserved, unexpected, abounding love towards man … He is far more ready to save than man is to be saved, far more willing to do good than man is to receive it. No one ever need be afraid of beginning the life of a true Christian … Let him not hang back and delay, under the vain idea that Christ is not willing to receive him. Let him come boldly, and trust confidently.”

We note: the concern of the Master leads to:

IV. The command of the Messiah. (vs. 8)

“Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”

Jesus never showed compassion and concern for someone without offering to help that person. He not only told the man He was concerned about him, but He showed the man that He was concerned about him. Jesus gives the man a command.

Joseph Parker said, “He has all power; His instruments are not secondary, but primary; He speaks, and it stands fast; He commands, and it disappears; He breathes, and the sun is dim; He breathes again, and the sun increases in luster; He says, ‘Let there be,” and there is. Jesus is Sovereign, Jesus is King!”

This was not an easy command for this man to obey. He had been in that condition for thirty-eight years. The Lord Jesus can wake up and shake up the dry dead bones and He can raise up and shake up some dry dead churches. The Lord commands the man to ‘Rise.’

Rise: (egeiro, eg-i’-ro); (through the idea of collecting one’s faculties); to waken, i.e. rouse (literal from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figurative from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence) awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-) rise (again, up), stand, take up.

The Lord tells this man before all the sick around the pools to rise, take up his bed and walk. This was not an easy command—we’ve already noted in the miracles of Jesus that He does not give us easy commands to obey—these are difficult. But when the Lord gives a command He gives the power to obey the command!

Vance Havner wrote, “The Lord Jesus did not deliver lectures on faith to candidates for blessing; He told them something very definite to do: “Stretch forth thy hand!” “Go thy way!” “Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house!” He asked the very thing that seemed most impossible.”

John G. Butler wrote, “Divine precepts and Divine promises are often inseparably joined. Commands and cures go together. Ignore the commands and you can forget the cures. If you want God to do something for you, be prepared to do something for God.” This man had to rise up, take up, and walk on. The man was told what to do and when to do it. In verse 8 we’ve noticed the command of the Messiah leads to:

V. The completion of the miracle. (vs. 9)

“And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”

John describes the miracle that followed the command of the Lord. He spoke a command to the man and gave him ability to carry out His authority. Immediately: This word means “at once, straightway, instantly.” The cure didn’t take days, hours, or even minutes. The cure came instantly to the man. After thirty-eight years of infirmity the man was immediately released permanently. This man got up, made up his bed, took up his bed, and walked.

Someone has well said, “At the pool with his back on his bed, he now leaves with his bed on his back.”

He obeyed the commands of the Lord. The Lord said it and the man did it. There was an unexpected turn of events in the life of this man on this day.

An unexpected turn of events can change the course of a war. An unexpected change in a weather front can take people by surprise. An unexpected change in a patient can delight a doctor or devastate a family. Sometimes things change for the worse, but thank God sometimes things change for the better.

John tells us at the end of verse 9, “And that day was the Sabbath.” The Jewish feasts lasted for days and the Lord could have healed this man on any day, but He chose to do this work on the Sabbath. The Lord is Lord of the Sabbath.

From the verses that follow we learn that the religious rulers ridiculed and persecuted this man because he carried his bed on the Sabbath. This was forbidden by the Jewish legalist. They didn’t worry about the man being healed from a thirty-eight year disease but, they were worried about him breaking one of their self-imposed and legalistic rules. We know that the Pharisees and scribes cared more about the letter of the law than the spirit of the law.

This man obeyed the Lord Jesus no matter what the cost. This man didn’t say to the Lord, “Lord, it’s the Sabbath day and I’m not supposed to carry anything or do no work on the Sabbath.” This man had been hopeless for so long and the Lord brought healing to him and hope to him. This man obeyed the Lord no matter what others said of him and what others thought of him. Matthew Henry wrote, “Those that have been healed by Christ’s word should be ruled by His word, whatever it cost them.”

The Lord offers hope for the hopeless. He is calling out to the spiritually blind, lame, and paralyzed. He is calling for you to repent and trust Him for salvation. He is the One who gives us life! He’s calling for us to obey His command to arise and walk.

The Bible says you are dead in your trespasses and sins and that you are separated from God. The Lord Jesus came to give His life for you and me and the Bible says “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”