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    New Testament
    Healing

    Healing at the Pool of Bethesda

    Jesus heals a man who had been infirm for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda with a word.

    Healing at the Pool of Bethesda

    At the Pool of Bethesda lay a great multitude of impotent folk. One man had been infirm thirty-eight years. Jesus asked him, 'Wilt thou be made whole?' Then He said, 'Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.' Immediately the man was made whole, took up his bed, and walked — and it was the Sabbath.

    Performed by

    Jesus Christ

    Location

    Jerusalem, the Pool of Bethesda by the sheep market

    What Happened

    • 1A great crowd of sick lay around the pool
    • 2Jesus found a man who had been infirm 38 years
    • 3He asked him, 'Wilt thou be made whole?'
    • 4Jesus commanded him to rise, take up his bed, and walk
    • 5The man was immediately made whole — on the Sabbath

    Key KJV Scriptures

    "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath."
    "Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."

    Spiritual Significance

    The healing at Bethesda confronts religious legalism. Jesus heals on the Sabbath to show that the Son of God works as His Father works — bringing rest and restoration.

    Lesson for Today

    No condition is too long-standing for Jesus to heal. He still meets the helpless where they lie and gives strength to rise.

    Key People

    Jesus
    The impotent man
    The Jewish leaders

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the Pool of Bethesda?

    A pool with five porches near the sheep gate where many sick gathered, hoping for healing when the water was stirred.

    Why was the Sabbath such an issue?

    The leaders accused both the man (for carrying his bed) and Jesus (for healing). Jesus answered that His Father works on the Sabbath — and so does He.

    Where in the Bible is the miracle of Healing at the Pool of Bethesda?

    The miracle of Healing at the Pool of Bethesda is recorded in John 5:8-9 (KJV), with additional references in John 5:14.

    Who performed the miracle of Healing at the Pool of Bethesda?

    Scripture records that Jesus Christ carried out this miracle at Jerusalem, the Pool of Bethesda by the sheep market. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).

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