Thoughts on the Gospel of John (54) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralysed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.
John 5: 1 - 5.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (54)
What a moving scene! In the five porches by the pool of Bethesda lay many sick and handicapped persons. All were waiting for the stirring of the water, which happened from time to time and promised healing. This was God's doing: in His providence He constantly brought about miracles of healing, like a gracious flash of light amid man's misery.

The stirring of the water alone was insufficient for healing. The invalids had to exert themselves to get to the water quickly; otherwise they had no hope.

This is an illustration of people living under the law of Sinai with its principle of "Do this and you will live". The benefit of the blessing is only for those who try hard to apply it and succeed. Considerable strength is necessary for their constant efforts. But what about those so weakened by their handicaps that, with their limitations, they are dependent on others? Their chances are sparse indeed. The illness they suffer from robs them of the strength needed to get the remedy.

What a hopeless prospect for all who attempt to attain salvation by their own efforts! Let us thank God that there is a Saviour who offers life out of sheer grace!

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today‘s reading: 1 Kings 7: 38 - 51 · John 6: 36 - 46