Jesus Heals At The Pool Of Bethesda

After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered.*   This place may look like a large outdoor hospital but it is not. Many sick people are meeting here because they believe an angel comes to stir the water and if they are the first to get in the water then they will be healed. What a sad sight it must be when they desperately rush for the water. And many are disappointed. Better than an angel, the Son of God now walks among them. What a wonderful thing it is to have a healthy body. Yet many people do not. Does God care? Oh yes, He cares deeply. It hurts Him very much to see how people and all of nature has suffered because of sin. That does not always mean that people are sick or physically challenged because of their own sin. Rather it is the result being a part of a fallen world. All of creation fell when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sinned. Now we all suffer the results of that first sin of disobedience. But God has not forsaken us. He has sent His Son to heal and save. Where does His Son go when He walked on the earth? He went to a place that was like a large outdoor hospital, called Bethesda. Jesus heals today also. He heals by the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is visiting hospitals today through the Holy Spirit. He works through doctors, nurses, and people's prayers. People like you. Have you invited Jesus into your life so that you can help others? Read the good news and let Jesus guide you. John 5:2-3 (NASB)

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