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Sunday 23 February 2014

Encounters- A healing at the Bethesda pool

Nicodemus had social position and power. The unnamed Samaritan woman was able to make choices, albeit wrong ones. The official's son had an advocate. All of them were able to approach Jesus. In chapter 5 of John's gospel, we see another individual, one who is unable to come to Jesus. So Jesus goes to him.

We don't know the exact nature of the invalid man's affliction, but the narrative does tell us that he was unable to move without help. Jewish tradition ascribed miraculous powers to the waters in the pool- periodically, so the legend told, an angel would stir the waters, and the first person to enter the pool would be healed. A collection of people needing healing would therefore congregate around the area.

"Do you want to get well?" Jesus asks this man directly in verse 6. Perhaps Jesus sees in this man a resignation to illness, or depression and despair. Because if the man is relying on the legendary powers, he never will get well. He has no influence, or advocate, or ability to help himself. The situation is hopeless.

Then Jesus comes along and says "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." And he does. No profound theological discussion, just a simple command, and the man is healed. His greatest need is met. There is a postscript in verse 14, where Jesus meets the man again in the temple, and warns him to stop sinning. Healing itself is wonderful, but it is a tool to a changed life, not an end in itself.

This passage reminds us too that healing is from God alone. Healing does not come from a particular place, nor do inanimate objects like crystals hold healing powers. Sickness and death are part of living in a fallen world and they are only overcome becuase Christ has triumphed over sin and death. This is why the Bible tells us "by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5). 

There are many people in this world living in situations from which they fear there is no release. They have no earthly hope of anything being able to change. And yet Jesus is there to meet them in whatever situation they are experiencing, bringing hope, bringing change, bringing relationship and a new life in Christ.








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