‘When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”‘
–John 5:6-8 (NIV)
When we read the story which opens John’s fifth chapter, we may see it only through historical eyes. Therefore, while the pieces may not begin to fit together until the end, I challenge you to continue reading anyway. Putting myself into this story has explained a lot to me, and I hope Jesus will speak to you in the same way. Now fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for a trip like none you have ever experienced, or your money back.
“Stop!” Peter cried, as he ran puffing up to Jesus. “This schedule is just plain crazy! You have traveled all over the country without much to eat, and very little rest. First we came back from buying food in that village, and we found you talking to that floozy by the well at Samaria. Then there was a big crowd, and all the people in that woman’s village believed in you because of her testimony. Then, just as things began to happen, you left for Galilee. It just doesn’t make sense. Frankly, I’m tired of this!”
“Peter,” Jesus interrupted sharply, “I’m getting tired of telling you and the others that I have food which you know nothing about. It is the same with my rest. So like it or not, we had to head out to Jerusalem.”
“I guess you’re right, master. After all, a Jewish feast is coming,” Peter sighed. “Don’t be upset with us, though. We formed this committee, and I was elected to talk to you, because we were worried.”
“Everything’s okay, Pete.” Jesus patted His disciple on the shoulder. “Just go back to our friends now. We’re almost there.”
When Peter reported back to the others, he had to admit that while he didn’t get very far by talking, the pool of Bethesda was only a quarter of a mile ahead. Realizing this, the disciples took heart, and they all agreed that maybe–just maybe–they could talk Jesus into resting there. So having settled that, they went on their way in silence until they got to the sheep-gate.
Without a word, Jesus entered into Jerusalem through the sheep-gate and pointed to the pool of Bethesda. It was just north of them, and the sight of it made all of them stop and gasp. Their mouths hung open, for they had never seen such a thing up close before.
It was a massive structure, with huge stones lining it which gradually sloped down. Then the bank cut away altogether, and there were two smooth steps. The steps led down into a crystal-clear pool which shimmered like glass, but the wonders of the pool didn’t stop there.
Surrounding it were five outdoor patio-like structures, and the roofs looming over them provided shade from the scorching sun which beat down on everything. Huge columns supported these roofs, with lovely artwork carved into their stone. Beautifully manicured gardens lined the walkways, and all of the rich and prestigious people were sitting in the gardens. It was a Sabbath day, and a feast day as well, so among the others sat the Pharisees, Sadducees, and doctors of the law. They debated among themselves, and answered the questions of the people.
The latest topic of discussion was what the Pharisees and Sadducees called the stirring of the waters. The Pharisees, who believed in angels, said that this stirring was done by God, who used the pool’s troubled water to bring about healing. But the Sadducees prided themselves on being more broad-minded, and they said it was foolish to think that way. Their leader waved his hand, and tried to explain everything away. So instead of a good-natured discussion, this quickly became a heated argument.
Then there were the doctors of the law, scholars who were well-versed in the book of Moses. When they saw Jesus, they tried to get His attention.
“Teacher!” they cried out in their most sophisticated and erudite voices. “Can you help us settle this argument?” But Jesus ignored them, and looked around angrily.
Instead of resting as His disciples had hoped, they saw His pace only increase. As they watched in horror, unable to believe their eyes, Jesus disappeared through a grove of tall trees and went to the pools, where all the riff-raff hung out.
Standing up, Peter followed at a distance, and got to where he could see Jesus. To his horror, the Lord was now sitting among the paupers. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, He began to talk with them.
Jesus looked right at home, but when His disciples grew tired, He turned His attention to one man in particular. Peter started to turn away, because he couldn’t read Jesus’ lips. Then he had an idea–he tiptoed to where he could overhear his Master.
The poor man asked, “Sir, what is different about you?”
“What do you mean?” asked Jesus.
“Oh, come on now! You had the chance to mingle and hobnob with those rich folks, and yet you chose to spend your time with the likes of me. Why is that?”
Jesus fastened His eyes on the man. “May I ask you a question?”
“Why not?” the man sighed. “My life is an open book, and I don’t have anything but time.”
“Okay. You told me you have been lying here for 38 years. Do you really want to get well?”
“Of course I do, sir! What kind of question is that? But the people who carried me here to beg left me a long time ago. You can see that I don’t have anyone to put me in the water when it is troubled. Someone always goes before me.”
“Stop with the excuses,” Jesus ordered. “Just get up and walk!”

We need to stop here and reflect on the Words of Jesus. If we are not careful, any one of us can become like the man at the pool. When this happens, our lives become filled with excuses, which lead to passivity. For example, my greatest temptation is not to do what I should, but to start Procrastinators Anonymous tomorrow.
Seriously, I remember putting things off, which ended up costing me dearly. Because of my carelessness, priceless opportunities were missed, and time was lost.
For that reason, when Jesus speaks to me through this story and tells me to take up my mat and walk, my answer cannot be, “There is no one to put me into the water.”
The point is that the true thief of belief is Satan. While He has many different strategies, one of His most successful is to hold out seemingly plausible excuses. These may be magnified by the voices of others, until we are crippled by them.
But the contrast can be seen here. Just as He does in this story, Jesus is encouraging us to take our first step, and we need to learn to listen to Him alone.
Since Jesus is the living water, let me leave you with this one thought. Instead of walking in life, many of us are lying on mats, perhaps of their own creation. It is true that some people may be lying on real beds of affliction, but in any case, Jesus longs to reach out to you, whatever your need.
In order to experience His touch, though, you need to obey His voice. He is telling us to pick up our mats, but each of us have to do that individually. So He is also asking this question: “Will you follow Me and take up your mat today, or will you let the thief of belief leave you by the pool of despondency?”
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
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