Text: John 5:1–15
There is a profound scene at the Pool of Bethesda. A man has been sick for thirty-eight years. He’s been waiting—hoping—for healing, but every time the waters stir, someone else steps in first. Then Jesus arrives. But He doesn’t help the man into the water. He simply says: “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” (John 5:8)
This miraculous healing offers not only hope but deep spiritual lessons for the people of God today. As Seventh-day Adventists, grounded in Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy, we find in this moment a reflection of God’s grace, power, and purpose.
1️⃣ Jesus Does Not Always Show Up the Way You Expect
The man at the pool was looking for healing in the water, not in a stranger passing by. How often do we also look for God to act according to our expectations? Yet “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).
📖 “Often He meets us not with outward display, but in the still small voice of His Spirit.” — Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 200
We must not miss divine intervention simply because it doesn’t look like what we imagined.
2️⃣ Trying Hard Doesn’t Save Us — Jesus Does
The man had tried for years. He had exhausted his strength. But salvation came not by his effort, but by Christ’s command.
📖 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
🕊️ “Man cannot be saved by his own works. Without Christ, it is impossible.” — Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 364
Our human efforts are valuable only when they respond to Christ’s initiating power.
3️⃣ Some Blessings Come Not by Trying but Trusting
Faith, not striving, unlocked the miracle. The man believed Christ’s words and acted on them.
📖 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
🌱 “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good.” — Steps to Christ, p. 61
When we surrender and trust, God works beyond our limitations.
4️⃣ Jesus Breaks Protocols
At Bethesda, healing was believed to happen only when the water stirred. But Jesus bypassed the tradition and healed by His authority.
📖 “The Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:28)
🩺 “In every miracle Jesus sought to break down the traditions that held men in bondage.” — Desire of Ages, p. 202
He still breaks through man-made barriers to bring deliverance. Don’t limit God to methods or traditions.
5️⃣ When Jesus Saves, He Doesn’t Leave You in the Old Routine
After the healing, Jesus later found the man again and said: “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” (John 5:14)
📖 “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
🚶🏾 “He who is truly converted will not live the old life of sin, but the new life of obedience.” — Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 62
Salvation is not a return to the status quo—it’s a radical transformation.
Final Thought 💭
The Pool of Bethesda is more than a miracle story. It is a theological mirror reflecting Christ’s power to restore—not just physically, but spiritually. He comes in unexpected ways, saves by grace, and invites us into a new life free from futile routines.
May we not wait by the water when Jesus is already walking among us. 🙏🏾
📍 “Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6) — He is still asking.
Blessings,
Chuck
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