548. JOH 5:2-9. THE BETHESDA POOL, ETC

Joh_5:2-9. The Bethesda Pool, Etc

"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," &c.’97Joh_5:2-9.

Much dispute has arisen from the different views taken by critics and expositors as to the leading features of this interesting paragraph. Some have alleged that the 4th verse is not sufficiently authenticated, and therefore dispute what is stated concerning an angel going down to the pool at certain periods to agitate the waters, and impart supernatural qualities to them. Hence also many have been at considerable pains to explain their sanatory virtues, as being probably connected with some mineral spring. We think it safest and wisest to take the testimony literally, as given by the evangelist. It is obvious that the sentiments conveyed are these. That the waters of the pool of Bethesda were periodically affected, and then, and then only, possessed healing properties, and that this was believed to be effected by the agency of an angel sent from God for this merciful purpose. For the convenience of the sick, five porches had been erected, where they could collect together and be in readiness for the moving of the waters. That pool, with its healing virtues, might typify the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness: with these points of difference’97that the Bethesda pool was local, and for the benefit of the inhabitants of Jerusalem chiefly; the gospel pool is equally near and accessible to the wide world. The Bethesda pool was only efficacious occasionally; the gospel pool is open at all times, and is ever restorative to the sin sick soul. The Bethesda pool only healed the first who plunged into it; the gospel fountain saves all who believingly apply to it. Well, at this pool at the time to which the next refers, we are called to contemplate,

I. An afflicted fellow-creature. His affliction is not specified, but it was manifestly,

1. Great. The Saviour beheld him as he lay. For he was unable to walk, or even to rise without help. Probably his disease was paralysis or catalepsy.

2. It was of long standing. "Thirty and eight years." More than the ordinary length of a human generation. Think of the protracted sufferings he must have borne.

3. It was accompanied with great human neglect. He seemed to be friendless. His relatives probably deceased. Himself obviously in the lowest stage of penury, and therefore none caving for his sorrows, and no friendly hand to help him in, at the troubling of the waters. Hence,

4. He had been the subject of grievous disappointments. When Jesus interrogated him he said, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me," Joh_5:7. He had often witnessed the supernatural agitation of the pool. He had often seen others step in and lose their maladies, but had been the subject of repeated disappointments and blighted hopes Observe,

II. The important question proposed to him by the Saviour. "Wilt thou be made whole?" This was evidently the man’s great desire,’97the one object of his soul’s anxiety. The Saviour, however, probably intended to excite his attention, and to draw forth his hopes. With the disease of sin, there is often a spirit of indifference about the cure. Many do not even believe they are sick, but deliriously exclaim that they are rich and in need of nothing, while their true state is disease, wretchedness, and misery.

Ministers are sent to teach men their morally diseased state, and to press the Saviour’s question, "Wilt thou be made whole?" The willingness of the sinner to be saved, is the first step in his recovery. Observe,

III. The merciful mandate pronounced. "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk," Joh_5:8. This command at the first view seems unreasonable,’97for the man was infirm,’97he had no power to walk,’97for many years he could not even rise without aid. But when Christ commands, he gives the power to obey. His commands and promises are inseparably allied with each other. He desires the willingness of the heart, and the ability to perform is ever afforded. When Christ speaks, let us hearken. When he commands, however apparently impossible, in faith endeavor to obey, and all things are possible to him that believeth. So it was in this case,’97the man’s heart joyously leaped at the Saviour’s mandate,’97and the result was, "And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked," Joh_5:9.

(1.) Here we have an instantaneous cure.

(2.) A cure effected at the Saviour’s bidding. He spake and it was done.

(3.) A cure full of mercy and compassion to the sufferer.

(4.) A cure without money and without price.

(5.) A cure performed in public.

(6.) A cure indisputable. For, lo, the man stands,’97he walks,’97he bears the bed or pallet on which he had lain. We leave the cavillings of the envious Jews, who railed at the miracle because it was performed on the Sabbath day. But observe,

IV. The caution given to the restored man. Jesus afterwards found him in the temple, and said unto him, "Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee," Joh_5:14. It is reasonable to infer therefore that his infirmity had been the direct effect of his sin. How many of the diseases of the human system are thus self-procured,’97the immediate result of dissipation and vice. Of this the man was reminded, and a holy, circumspect life was enjoined "Sin no more," &c. How needful this caution to every converted sinner. When we remember the remains of evil within the heart,’97the allurements of the world and the temptations of Satan,’97all should feel the force of the admonition, and watch and pray that they enter not into temptation. The healed man departed no doubt humbly, gratefully,’97and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole, Joh_5:15. Let every one who has been healed of the malady of sin, go and do likewise. Go and proclaim to others he wondrous love and power of the Saviour. Let not shame, nor fear, prevent you from confessing and recommending Christ.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS