The disabled at the Pool of Bethesda: A Jesus' healing story
A medieval fortress on a ridge. (Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels)
Do you believe in the healing power of Jesus Christ?
Are you anxious, desperate, and pitiful about your condition?
The Pool of Bethesda
In Jerusalem, the Pool of Bethesda was a gathering place for the sick, hoping for cures. Bethesda, in Aramaic, means "house of mercy" or "house of grace." Alongside the pool were five porticos where the afflicted lingered, anticipating angelic water disturbances for healing (John 5:1-4). In 1956, a German archaeologist discovered the pool surrounded by four entrances, with a fifth dividing it into two. Aligned with John 5:2, the site is near the Church of Saint Anne and the Sheep Gate, featuring depths of 40 feet, small caverns, and shallow baths.
Historically, the Bethesda Pool served for ritualistic baths, where the infirm waited for healing. It's considered a mikveh from Christ's time. Later, Romans built medicinal baths, and Christians added a chapel and churches during the Byzantine and Crusader periods to commemorate Jesus' healing of the lame man at the pool.
The disabled man: A picture of anxiety and self-pity
Beside a mysterious pool was a tale that an angel would stir its waters, healing the first sick person who entered. It was a glimmer of hope for many, a desperate chance to escape suffering. Those most familiar with this hope were disabled people who gathered nearby. One man, nameless in the Gospel of John, symbolized human strength amid chronic pain and shattered dreams.
For 38 years, he carried the burden of paralysis, living through scorching days and cold nights. Once a source of miracles, the pool now taunted him with the promise of healing always out of reach.
His life was marked by deep despair, anxiety, desperation, and self-pity until Jesus of Nazareth arrived. Jesus asked a simple yet powerful question: "Do you want to be made well?" At that moment, a glimmer of hope sparked within the man.
He shared his tale of suffering, revealing the pool's cruel irony and the mythical angel. Jesus, with unwavering faith, offered a different solution. Bending down, he looked into the man's eyes and said, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk."
In an instant, the impossible happened. The man, used to the cold touch of stone, felt warmth in his limbs. He stood up and walked confidently, breaking free from the chains of paralysis. Each step became a triumphant victory, showing the transformative power of faith and the willingness to embrace a new path. The story reveals the power of Jesus’ healing.
The power of faith and the willingness to get well
"Your Faith has made you Well." All 61 healing accounts of Christ from all 4 Gospels
"Do you want to get well?"
- John 5:6
The power of faith
This seemingly simple question of Jesus to the disabled person highlights the importance of an individual's desire for change. While Jesus possesses the power to heal, He respects autonomy and waits for man's willingness.
The faith of the disabled man manifests in his compliance and obedience. When Jesus commands him to "rise, take up your bed, and walk," the man's immediate action demonstrates his trust in Jesus' words and power. The healing becomes a tangible manifestation of his faith.
Jesus declares, "Your faith has made you well." This statement emphasizes that the man's faith played a crucial role in his healing. While Jesus is the source of the miracle, the man's receptivity and trust paved the way for it.
The willingness to get well
The man had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years. His long-standing illness suggests a deep-seated despair and perhaps even acceptance of his condition. Jesus' question jolts him out of this passivity and anxiety and offers him a chance to pursue healing actively.
The man's explanation, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is troubled," reveals his dependence on others and external circumstances. Jesus' command bypasses these limitations and calls on the man's potential.
By rising and walking, the man takes concrete steps toward his well-being. This physical action symbolizes his willingness to break free from his past and embrace a life of freedom and autonomy.
Faith without action can remain passive and unfulfilled. The man's willingness to trust and obey unlocks the healing potential that faith offers. The story demonstrates that a mere desire for change without faith in something greater than oneself can lack the necessary power to overcome obstacles. It tells us that the power of faith and a determined will can pave the way for transformative change even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Intertwined significance of Jesus’ healing
A statue of Jesus Christ.(Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS ftom Pexels)
"Then Jesus said to him, 'Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.' At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath."
The power of faith and the willingness to get well are two forces that, when intertwined, can produce remarkable transformations. They are like the wings of a bird, enabling it to soar above adversity and reach unimaginable heights.
In the Bible, several examples highlight the power of faith and the willingness to get well. Here are a few notable examples:
- The healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9:20-22-48). A woman suffered from bleeding for twelve years. Her ailment was cured when she touched the garment of Jesus.
- The healing of the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13). A Roman officer implored Jesus Christ to heal his servant. He believed Jesus could do it with just a word, and the servant was healed.
- The healing of the person with paralysis (Mark 2:1-12). Men brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, lowering him through a roof to get closer. Jesus forgave the man's sins and healed him because of their faith.
- The blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). Blind Bartimaeus called to Jesus for mercy despite opposition. Jesus noticed his persistent faith and healed him, restoring his sight.
Faith, a profound belief in something beyond ourselves, catalyzes hope. It ignites a flame that persists even in the darkest moments. It is a force that can take various forms, whether grounded in a higher power, personal conviction, or a resilient trust in one's capabilities. This quiet assurance whispers, "Even in the darkest of nights, dawn will come." It empowers us to endure hardships, confront challenges with courage, and strive for healing.
The willingness to recover is a powerful force propelling us forward. It means actively committing to our well-being and responsibility for our health and happiness. This commitment encourages seeking help when needed, embracing necessary changes, and making choices that align with wholeness. It's about actively choosing to improve and taking the steps required for our improvement. This willingness to heal motivates us to make positive choices and seek support, creating a path toward well-being and happiness.
The dynamic interplay between faith and the willingness to get healthy forms a powerful synergy. Faith is the motivational force, fostering an unwavering belief that improvement is possible and attainable. They want to get better and transform this belief into action, motivating the effort needed to turn that expectation into reality.
This intricate Jesus’ healing is movingly depicted in numerous actual and fictional stories. Consider the cancer patient drawing strength from their faith to endure grueling treatments and triumph over the disease. Consider the individual grappling with addiction who courageously opts for rehabilitation, embarking on a challenging path to recovery.
Amidst a world often marked by division and exclusion, the enduring message from the Pool of Bethesda resonates. It is a call to embrace compassion, challenge marginalization, and place unwavering trust in the transformative power of God.
