Pools of Bethesda: Part 2

Photo taken of an open, arched courtyard near the Pools of Bethesda in Jerusalem.

" Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called.. Bethesda.

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered,

waiting for the moving of the water. "
John 5: 2-3

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Here are some key insights/facts in John's account of Christ healing of this elderly man.

When? During the Feast of the Jews: mostly likely referring to Passover. (I think the visual image and symbolically of this miracle happening on Passover is significant. Like tHe did for the Israelites, Christ did not "passover" this man although this sick man was an outcast/hidden)

Location? at the Pools of Bethesda, the word Bethdesda which means House of Mercy or House of Grace.

Who was present? A great multitude of impotent, blind, halt, withered men/women/children

Why did the sick congregate here? It was a sacred place where an angel had made the water cleanse the infirmed.

What is Troubled water?.. I need to do more research on this. Please comment if you have info.

Who was this Certain Man? A man who had been infirm for 38 years and who tries to cleanse himself in the pool but others "steppeth down before him,".. How many times do we find ourselves either being passed over.. or passing in front of others?

What happens? Christ asks if this man wants to be made whole, and then tells him to Rise, Take up thy Bed and walk.. 3 Things. Rise, Carry, and Walk.

The story doesn't end there because the religous leaders were upset that Christ would do this on the Sabbath. Not only did Christ heal on the Sabbath, but He was telling the man to "work" or take up his bed and walk. There were strict laws against such things on the Sabbath. Due in part, The Jews persecuted Christ and sought to slay Him.

Christ answered them basically saying this is what my Father would have done.. quote, " My Father worketh hitherto, and (therefore so) I work.