Pool Side Lessons

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. — John 5:2-3

John 5:1-9 records a miracle at the pool of Bethesda which has several lessons for us today. First, there is a waiting multitude. The condition of this multitude is typical of many today… they are hurting and in need of help.

Second they are waiting for a movement of the waters to relieve them from their troubles. How this ailing world today looks to movements, political and social, to alleviate its sick and sad condition!

Third, there is the wonderful Master, who stood by the crippled man and asked, “Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6). Jesus alone had the answer for what the cripple needed.

This world is one vast pool of Bethesda with its multitude of impotent souls waiting for movements when what they really need is the Messiah. Will you point someone to Jesus today?