Healing at the pool of Bethesda
Many of Christ Jesus’ healings occurred in public places. One happened at a popular site for ritual bathing in Jerusalem—the pool of Bethesda. It was known for an unpredictable stirring of the water supposed to bring healing, and crowds of sick and injured people waited by the pool for this miraculous event. But there was a catch: Only the first person to step in at that moment could be cured.
When Jesus arrived at the pool, the atmosphere of hope—and hopelessness—must have been palpable. Though just a small portion of invalids had been healed, many held on to the chance that they could be next. Others, like the disabled man Jesus approached, must have felt overwhelming despair.
The Master asked this man one question: “Do you want to be healed?” Of course he did—but to him, healing was impossible. Jesus cut through this mistaken perception with a command: “Pick up your mat and walk!” (John 5:6, 8, Contemporary English Version). Healing was immediate and complete.
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