Everyone wants to avoid facing hell, but does everyone really want to be “made whole”? It may seem like a silly question, but it is actually a very real and very important question for anyone who truly desires to serve God.
The details the Bible gives us concerning Jesus’ physical actions and miracles while He walked here on earth illustrate VERY IMPORTANT spiritual principles and “types” (allegorical pictures) for us today. The story of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-15 is one of those, and we can learn a lot about salvation and spiritual resurrection from it.
Many people today are like the majority at the pool of Bethesda. They are SPIRITUALLY lame or ill. They are bedfast and unable to accomplish the work of God. They say they want help… so why doesn’t Jesus help them? Jesus only healed ONE man at the pool of Bethesda. Why didn’t He help everyone? Was He a respecter of persons? Was He unfair? What was so significant about that one man?
The key lies in Jesus’ words, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” Understanding the symbolism of “taking up your bed” and “walking” is vital.
Sadly, many people are simply not TRULY willing to be “made whole”. This Bible study explores the people on the five porches of Bethesda, and what kind of excuses they would give when asked, “Wilt thou be made whole?” We also find answers to other questions that have puzzled mankind for ages. Why did the angel of God have to stir the water at the pool of Bethesda? What does the troubling of the waters symbolize? And what does that POOL of Bethesda represent spiritually?
Jesus wants to help all of those who are truly willing to “take up their bed and walk”, or in other words, leave their old lifestyles behind and walk with Him on life’s straight and narrow path. It is our prayer that you will answer “YES!” when asked “DO YOU REALLY WANT HELP?”!
Read: Do You Really Want Help?
See Also:
The Only True Means of Salvation
The Bible states that salvation is “by grace through faith”. How does that really work?
The Parable of the Sower
A series of video studies exploring the SEED of the Word of God, and how different people respond to it.
I appreciate the many reminders here, especially those concerning humility and mercy.
Quite powerful and inspiring message.
Ahsante sana
Translation: thank you very much
I need prayer
Eye opening
1.Please what does the stirring of water symbolizes?
2.I have learnt a lot from interpretation.
3. All the glory belongs to God
Thanks, I’ve learnt a lot.