Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular. From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty. John 5 NKJV - A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda - Bible Gateway He also reminds us of the importance which Judaism has placed, and continues to place, on the keeping of the Sabbath: May we be privileged, by virtue of the proper observance of the Shabbath, to see the final redemption of Israel. If anything defines him, it is his paralysis. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert (Isaiah 35:4-6, NKJV). Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 33) that the word rendered slip out is found only here in the New Testament, and that it means to bend the head aside (AS), and thus to dodge.. Morris adds this regulation regarding work on the Sabbath: Mishnah, Shab. For example, (On the Sabbath) a man may borrow of his fellow jars of wine or jars of oil, provided that he does not say to him, Lend me them (Shab. 25 But this happened to fulfill the word that is written in their law, They hated me without reason (John 15:18-25). Tertullian says (u), that there was in Judea a medicinal lake, before Christ's time; and that the pool of Bethsaida (it should be Bethesda) was useful in curing the diseases of the Israelites; but ceased from yielding any benefit, when the name of the Lord was blasphemed by them, through their rage and fury, and continuance in it (w); but in what year it began, and the precise time it ceased, he says not. It has been so highly refined that now one cannot carry something which he unknowingly took with him. One is prohibited from transporting goods on the Sabbath. What happened at the Pool of Bethesda? Instead, he makes excuses. Though the same accusation of Sabbath-breaking is consistently made by the Jews in the other Gospels, our Lords response there is different from His defense here. The man at the pool had been waiting for something outside of himself to change. A man, one of the human race. How Long Have You Been Waiting at the Pool of Bethesda? He knows this mans sin, which he persists in practicing up to the moment of his healing and beyond. 6 But Peter said, I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. They think themselves pious, and expect to be the first to enter the kingdom of God. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. In John 5:1-15, Jesus came to Jerusalem and met a man at the Pool of Bethesda, which is near the Sheep Gate. His legs have been paralyzed so long that they are thin, withered, atrophied. Fifth, it is not at all uncommon for the sick to congregate around mineral water, which is believed to have healing powers: In general it may be stated that it is never uncommon for people, afflicted with various illnesses, to gather around mineral springs. Mark 9:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? If one is walking along on the Sabbath and discovers that he is carrying something in his pocket, he has several courses of action so as not to violate the Sabbath. 251 Indeed, the verb behind answered (apekrinato) is in the aorist middlein John, found only here and in v. 19 (the aorist deponent passive, aprkrithe, might be expected). Why Did the Pool of Bethesda Heal People? He now tells us that Jesus claims to be God (chapter 5not to mention chapters 3 and 4). This information is not supplied to amuse you, but to prepare you for the issues that arise in our study of John chapter 5, as well as later on in Johns Gospel. The man was at the pool of Bethesda along with other people that were blind, lame, or paralyzed. 7, he is being charged with demon-possession (7:20), and, amidst profound confusion in the masses, the authorities try to arrest him (7:30), but without success (7:45-52). Here, the miracle Jesus performs does not even produce faith in the one who is healed. Then Jesus healed him. 229 This is my understanding of the view expressed on pages 66-67. A part of that saving work is healing the sick (see Luke 4:16-21; John 11:2-6).253 The Jews are therefore wrong in condemning Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. 37The Father who sent me testifies on my behalf. There is no other attestation of this belief in sources roughly contemporaneous with Jesus, but analogous superstitions both ancient and modern are easy to come by.239. We know this much for certain: The man is guilty of some sin he has not yet given up. Jesus did no such thing, here or elsewhere. Jesus must know that doing so will identify Him to the authorities and cause Him great trouble (just as He knew that this man had suffered long and hard when He chose to heal himverse 5:6). But the verses in question in our text just dont seem to be original; rather, they seem to be an attempt of a later hand to explain the meaning of the ailing mans words in verse 7. Take a trip to first century Jerusalem in the text of John 5. . First, I must remind you that this question is not entirely academic. He may, for example, drop the item out of his pocket, but not in the normal or usual fashion (by grasping it, removing it from the pocket, and dropping it on the floor). The Pool Of Bethesda. - Emmaus Road Ministries Grace is not given to those who are worthy and withheld from the unworthy. The first of these is almost certainly right, not only on various transcriptional grounds, but because it is now supported by the corresponding Hebrew name in the Copper Scroll from Qumran, first published in 1960. Many others with disabilities around him are waiting for healing. We have no more right to complain about not being healed than we do to complain about not being a millionaire. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. We do not know exactly what is wrong with him, but it is apparent he is immobilized by his malady, because it is necessary for someone else to put him into the pool (verse 7). Notice that John does not tell us that from this point on that the Jews are trying to kill Jesus. William Hendriksen writes: After much guess-work with respect to the identity of this pool, its site has finally been established to the satisfaction of most scholars. His mission is not primarily to heal, but to proclaim the good news of the gospel. Whoever first stepped in after the stirring of the water was healed from whatever disease which he suffered.]. Third, this was not the time for miracles. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. By ch. You dont have any love for God. A certain man who has been sick for 38 years was there, the nature of the sickness was not specified but from the response of the man to Jesus, it seems that the sickness has made him unable to walk and the sickness looks incurable. For example, we wish we could say to our child, Just be home at a reasonable hour. The trouble is that they do not agree with us about what reasonable means, and so we have to give an exact time. There is a specific sense in which God has been at work from the time of creation on, bringing about salvation for fallen men. He is constantly moved with compassion toward those who are afflicted. As Jesus healed him, He said, "Take up your bed and walk" ( John 5:8, NKJV ). (John 5:1-5 RSV) For many years the site of this pool was lost, covered with the debris of the centuries, but about 20 years ago it was discovered and excavated. Doing what is right may very well produce a favorable response. A decisive change takes place here. Amherst Theatre - Batman (1989) - Dipson Theatres Worse yet, why does John inform us that the man subsequently seeks out the Jews to tell them that the One they are after is Jesus? [a] 5One man, who had been sick for 38 years, was lying there. Youre not allowed to carry your cot today., 11The man replied, The man who made me well told me to pick up my cot and walk., 12The Jews asked him, Who is the man who told you to pick it up and walk? 13But the man who had been healed didnt know who Jesus was. There, the disciples automatically assumed that the mans blindness was the result of someones sin. The tasks that the Father gave me to carry out, these tasks which I perform, testify on my behalf. 5Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival. Enduring Word Bible Commentary John Chapter 5 Once informed that Jesus is the one who healed the paralytic, the Jews cease to harass the healed man and fix their attention on Jesus. The expression implies a claim which the Jews did not miss. Morris, p. 309. In that case, it was not so. Our Lord seeks him out, asking him if he wants to become well. In each of the Gospels, the issue of the Sabbath arises, which becomes a point of on-going contention between Jesus and the Pharisees. The man has to wait for troubled waters. Jesus immediately heals him, without the use of water. There at the temple, while the man is worshipping, Jesus finds him. 255 We are thus introduced to a theme which is important in the rest of this Gospel. Jesus heals him, without even being asked to do so. There is certainly a general sense in which God is working to maintain His creation and to bring about His plans and purposes: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28, NASB). The Pool of Bethesda | Beth Immanuel Messianic Synagogue Mere men can contribute nothing to this working. It is Gods work. But the way in which He does heal him is certainly in stark contrast with this mans system. Jesus can help those who want to be . Jesus does His mighty works, His signs. But, instead of faith, strenuous opposition is aroused among the national religious leaders. Morris, pp. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953-1954), p. 190. As it is (a feast), we are not certain as to which of the feasts reference is being made. Here are some of the regulations of the Jews in our Lords time: Some of the detailed regulations are passing wonderful. He honestly doesnt know. In importance, His healing ministry is secondary. While Im trying to get there, someone else steps into the pool ahead of me.. In effect, the man says, Yes. Jesus commands him to stand, take up his bed, and walk, and trusting Jesus, he does. A human being. 33You sent people to John the Baptizer, and he testified to the truth. Grace is Gods unmerited favor, Gods undeserved goodness. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool called Bethesda in Aramaic, that has five covered walkways. First, let me ask a question: Do you assume that just because someone goes to churchany churchthat they are true believers, there to worship in spirit and in truth? If Jesus is able (and surely He is), why doesnt Jesus heal everyone at the pool that day? My first tongue-in-cheek answer is that Jesus is leaving some for the apostles to heal, after His resurrection and ascension. Because it is grace, and cannot be earned, it must be sovereignly bestowed. When Jesus arrives at the pool, neither this mans pleas or his prayers or his piety fixes our Lords attention on him. 1. This incident, and especially our Lords words, give them further incentive for doing this as soon as possible. Can you imagine the pushing, shoving, and tripping that takes place as every ailing person desperately strives to be the first into the water? You will recall that while the keeping of the Sabbath is the Fourth Commandment, the historical basis for the Sabbath is what God did at creation: 8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 32Someone else testifies on my behalf, and I know that what he says about me is true. Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases (Psalm 103:3, NKJV). 30I cant do anything on my own. The Death Of The Hare A Man Young And Old: 5. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it (Exodus 20:8-11, NKJV). mixture to the blind man's eyes and told him to bathe in the Pool of Siloam. Ending soon! 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Every ailing person there at the pool is in competition with the rest of the multitude who are also hoping for a healing. They suppose that they love God and their fellow man, in obedience to the law of Moses. Indeed, the Son does exactly what the Father does. One man was there who had been sick for 38 years. 24I can guarantee this truth: Those who listen to what I say and believe in the one who sent me will have eternal life. The scrupulosity of these Jews about the Sabbath was ridiculously extreme. Nevertheless, it was their interpretation of these texts which led to the extreme and hypocritical applications they drew from them. How can I be so sure that he is not praising God and worshipping there? Nothing more could be done for them. (u) De Anima, c. 50. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the only One through whom your sins can be forgiven, the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Since there are many ways to understand the healing of this man at the pool of Bethesda, let me present two extremesand then challenge you to choose one or the other, or something in between. The most important question you will ever answer is this: Who is Jesus Christ? John gives us the answer, clearly. Until such time, Gods only dwelling-place on this earth is within the four walls of the Halacha (Berachoth 8a).225. This just happens to take place on the Sabbath. 2537) argues that this verbal form has legal overtones: Jesus responds to their charge, he offers his defense. Therefore, the least needy would probably be the one cured, while all the rest struggle to get out of the pool, get back to their stations, and await their next chance. There is a huge crowd of sick people waiting for you back at my mother-in-laws house. Home Learn Audio. I think Jesus works on the Sabbath on purpose. 34 So he healed many sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. Think about it. He does not even need the faith of this disabled man. Rejecting Him is to remain destined for hell. Healing would make Jesus too popular, too quickly, and thus undermine His mission of proclaiming the truthand ultimately of dying on the cross of Calvary to atone for mans sins. When our Lord went to Jerusalem and cleansed the temple (John 2:12-22), He also performed a number of signs, which caused a number to believe in His name (2:23-25). 36But I have something that testifies more favorably on my behalf than Johns testimony. Healing the paralytic at Bethesda In this episode, we talk about the specific healing that happened at the Pool at Bethesda. 044 - How Long Have You Been Waiting at the Pool of Bethesda? ), 14Later, Jesus met the man in the temple courtyard and told him, Youre well now. Half-Healing at the Pool of Bethesda - JesusWalk 220 Barbara Seuling, More Whacky Laws (New York: Scholastic Inc., 1975). Lets get going; theres work to do!. Charles Swindoll shares this story in an issue of Leadership magazine: In 1965 the Viet Nam War began to stagnate and bog down. In chapter 6, Jesus feeds the 5,000, but after He informs these would-be disciples that they must trust in His sacrificial death, virtually all forsake Him. The pool of Bethesda was discovered in the 19th century under the ruins of a Byzantine church. The answer to the above question is also the answer to those who desire that God heal all the sick today. He can do only what he sees the Father doing. This man had an infirmity for 38 years. While on his way to a festival, Jesus met a man that was lame for 38 years. It consists of two pools fed by springs and runoff. Indeed, they expect a prominent leadership role in that kingdom. If this is not advisable, the object can be carried in an unusual way, such as placing it in the shoe, tying it to his leg, or managing to suspend it between his clothing and his body. Jesus Heals A Lame Man At Pool of Bethesda | Christ.org Jesus is still able to heal every sick person. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. He warns him not to sin further, lest something worse happen to him. Have you ever read of any such miracle in the Bible, where an angel somehow energizes the waters, and the first person into the water is healed? We had fun getting into the backstory of the pool and the reasons that John uses specific numbers and words. Thus, no one has the right to complain if God does not heal them. Naaman was healed of his leprosy when he obeyed Elishas instructions to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5). In archaeological digs conducted in the 19th century, Conrad Schick discovered a large tank situated about 100 feet (30 m) north-west of St. Anne's Church, which he contended was the Pool of Bethesda. Is this the reason Jesus presses him as to whether he really wants to be healed? Suddenly, when we reach this fifth chapter of John our Lords miracles actually precipitate intense opposition and persecution. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But a certain man was there who had been diseased for thirty eight years. The Jews therefore object, and persecute him for it. John 5:1-5 explains that the pool of Bethesda was by one of Jerusalem's gates, known as the sheep gate, and was surrounded on five sides by colonnades (covered columns). If Jesus is who He claims to be, then we would expect Him to have authority over sickness, demons, and even death. The former paralytic makes his way to the temple, where he praises God, and offers a sacrifice. John 5 NLT - Jesus Heals a Lame Man - Afterward - Bible Gateway He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20, NKJV). People are healed individually and specifically, not in some kind of whoever can get there the first manner. Nor indeed can it be known how long there had been such a preternatural motion in this pool, and such a miraculous virtue in the water; some have thought, that it began at the repairing of the sheep gate by Eliashib, in Nehemiah's time; so Tremellius and Junius, on Nehemiah 3:1; and others have thought, that it had been some few years before the birth of Christ, and about the time that this man was first taken with his disorder. Some think his distemper was the palsy, and though he had had this infirmity so many years, it is not certain that he had waited so long in this place for a cure; though it may be, for that he had attended some time, is clear from John 5:7.