1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, 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. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 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. 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. (John 5:1-15 KJV)
The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath
This miracle, recorded only by John, took place in Jerusalem during a feast of the Jews—likely the Passover (John 5:1). Though Jesus lived in Galilee, he went to Jerusalem for the feast, obeying God’s law as one under it (Hebrews 10:25). The feast drew large crowds from across the region and beyond, making it a fitting time for Christ to reveal himself (Proverbs 1:21).
The healing occurred at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, near the sheep gate (John 5:2). Its name means “house of mercy,” reflecting the divine compassion shown there. The pool had five porches where many sick people lay—blind, lame, and paralyzed—waiting for healing (John 5:3). According to the account, an angel would stir the water, and the first to enter afterward was healed (John 5:4). Though some speculate about natural causes, most understand the healing to be supernatural. The water, stirred at certain seasons, symbolized God’s mercy, not just toward physical illness but pointing to the coming Messiah.
The first person into the water was healed, regardless of the disease. However, only the first received the benefit, highlighting the importance of seizing divine opportunities. God provides the means—scripture, the church, sacraments—but we must act to receive healing.
The man Jesus healed had been sick for thirty-eight years (John 5:5), likely paralyzed. Christ, passing by many others, chose him—showing divine compassion for the most helpless. He asked, “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6), not because it was unclear, but to awaken faith and desire. The man replied, “Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool” (John 5:7). He had tried often but failed, always edged out by others more able.
Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk” (John 5:8). Though the command seemed impossible, the man obeyed and was immediately healed (John 5:9). Divine power gave strength as he responded in faith. Christ bypassed the pool entirely, showing that he is the true source of healing. The command to take up his bed confirmed the completeness of the miracle—it was instantaneous and public. It also served to challenge man-made Sabbath rules, emphasizing Christ’s authority over the law (Matthew 9:6).
The Jews, seeing the man carrying his bed on the Sabbath, objected (John 5:10). He replied that the one who healed him told him to do so (John 5:11)—implying that someone with power to heal must have authority to command. When asked who it was, the man didn’t know, as Jesus had slipped away into the crowd (John 5:13).
Later, Jesus found him in the temple (John 5:14), suggesting the man had gone there to worship and give thanks (Psalm 116:18-19). Christ reminded him, “You are made whole,” then warned him, “Sin no more, lest something worse happen to you.” This implies his illness may have resulted from sin (Psalm 107:17-18). Christ not only heals the body but also calls for spiritual renewal.
The man went back and told the Jews it was Jesus who healed him. He likely meant it as a good thing—for Christ’s honor and their benefit—little realizing that someone so good and powerful would have enemies. But when promoting Christ’s work, we must be wise. Without wisdom, zeal can do harm. We shouldn’t cast pearls before swine. The Jews, rather than rejoice in the miracle, responded with hostility: They persecuted Jesus, seeking to kill him—we learn of it in the preceding verses (John 5:16-18).