healing at the pool of bethesda

MAN’S INABILITY – CHRIST’S SUFFICIENCY

(Healing at the Pool of Bethesda)

John 5:1-15

Have you ever wanted to do the right thing but found yourself unable to perform it? Or, have you tried desperately to demonstrate great faith in the face of crisis and need, only to come up empty handed?

Have you watched others receive blessings, who are no more worthy than yourself, while you languish at the edge of the "pool" unable to get in on the miracle? Feeling hurt, broken and cheated you retreat back into your lonely and deeply personal sorrow – not wanting anyone to know how badly you feel and how hopeless you’ve become.

That was the plight of the man who had been debilitated for 38 years, suffering with some sort on an infirmity which caused him to be relatively immobile. Although he greatly desired freedom from his physical "prison" he was incapable of helping himself. He lay on his little mat with hope in his heart, but the reality of hopelessness shadowed his face. Regardless of his desperate condition, no one offered to help him. He was alone in the midst of a crowd of similarly hopeless people, surrounded by the disappointment of inability. He had become convinced that he would never be delivered from this horrible sickness.

A. What are some significant truths we can learn from this story?

Don’t keep depending on others when Jesus is present. ("I am with you always.")

Hold on – even when hope is almost gone. (Keep going to the "pool.")

Circumstances have the power to discourage. (Don’t let your surroundings dictate your perspective.)

Excuses will always blind you to the presence of Jesus. (No one cares for me.)

Make your answer work. Get up and walk. (Your faith affects your actions.)

The enemy(s) will always try to discount or discredit your miracle.

this out.

First, was the denouncing of the miracle on "religious" grounds. (Religion often hinders the hand of the Lord.)

Second, was the challenge to his "authority" over his sickness. (His bed represented the reality of his bondage.)

Third, was the challenge to the value or worth of the Lord. (When the enemy cannot disqualify the miracle, he tries to disqualify the miracle-worker.)

D. This man gave a simple and direct answer.

"He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk’." (Your answer does not need an elaborate and defensive explanation.)

A simple, "Jesus did this for me," is the most powerful testimony you have.

The enemy will always try to confuse the issue.
WHAT TRICKS DOES THE ENEMY USE ON YOU TO HINDER YOUR FAITH?

What he does:

What I do:

What he does:

What I do:

What he does:

What I do:

What he does:

What I do:

What he does:

What I do:

NOTE: Notice verse 14. In addition to his healing, this man’s sins were forgiven. Jesus always makes salvation available to sinners who are mercifully healed. Remember, Jesus made a similar statement to the paralytic (Luke 5:18-25). Also, remember James 5:15. God’s covenant of healing is granted in order to offer His covenant of salvation. Wonderful! Isn’t it?