The Pool of Bethesda 1Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrewa is called Bethesda.b 3On these walkwaysc lay a great number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed.d 5One man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had spent a long time in this condition, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am on my way, someone else goes in before me.” 8Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” 9Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day, 10so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath! It is unlawful for you to carry your mat.” 11But he answered, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” 12“Who is this man who told you to pick it up and walk?” they asked. 13But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while the crowd was there. 14Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.” 15And the man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. The Father and the Son 16Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. 17But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” 18Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. 19So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these. 21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. 22Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, 23so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life. 25Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. 27And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice 29and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.e 30I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. Testimonies about Jesus 31If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. 32There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid. 33You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. 35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. 36But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. 37And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form, 38nor does His word abide in you, because you do not believe the One He sent. The Witness of Scripture 39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, 40yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. 41I do not accept glory from men, 42but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. 43I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope. 46If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. 47But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?” Footnotes: 2 a Or in Aramaic 2 b NA, NE, and WH Bethzatha 3 c Literally In these 3 d NE, BYZ, and TR include awaiting the moving of the waters. 4For from time to time an angel descended into the pool and stirred the water. As soon as it was stirred, the first to enter the pool would be healed of his disease. 29 e See Daniel 12:2. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  John 5 Summary The Pool of BethesdaVerses 1–15 – Healing at Bethesda Verse16–23 – The Father’s Work and the Son Verse24–30 – Promise of Life and Judgment Verse31–40 – Fourfold Witness Verse41–47 – Glory, Scripture, and Unbelief John 5 delves into a Sabbath controversy when Jesus heals an invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda, a miracle that challenges religious norms and sparks opposition from Jewish leaders. In response, Jesus presents His divine authority and unity with God, emphasizing His role as the giver of life and the executor of judgment. The chapter then highlights the testimonies that affirm Jesus' divine authority. Historical Setting and Feast Context John does not name the feast (v.1). Options include Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, or Trumpets. The mention signals a time when large crowds gathered, matching the scene of many sick people around Bethesda. Regular festival visits also fulfill the Law’s call for Jewish men to appear before the LORD (Deuteronomy 16:16). The Pool of Bethesda: Archaeology and Symbolism • Excavations north of the Temple Mount have uncovered twin pools with five surrounding colonnades, matching John’s description (v.2). • “Bethesda” likely means “house of mercy,” fitting Jesus’ compassionate act. • Some manuscripts include v.4, explaining an angel stirring the water; whether original or not, the belief was common, showing the people’s hope for divine intervention. The Man Disabled Thirty-Eight Years • Thirty-eight parallels Israel’s thirty-eight wilderness years after unbelief (Deuteronomy 2:14). The healed man pictures the nation’s need for rescue from long-term weakness. • Jesus asks, “Do you want to get well?” (v.6). The question exposes both desire and hopelessness. • Healing precedes faith; the man does not even know Jesus’ name (v.13). Grace arrives first, then responsibility follows (v.14). The Sabbath Question • Carrying a mat violated rabbinic additions to Sabbath law, not God’s original intent (Jeremiah 17:21 warns against commercial burdens, not personal belongings). • Jesus’ words, “My Father is still working” (v.17), remind that God sustains creation every Sabbath (Psalm 121:4). • By tying His work to the Father’s, Jesus reveals the Sabbath points to Him (Matthew 11:28, “I will give you rest”). Jesus’ Unity with the Father Key phrases: 1. “The Son can do nothing of Himself” (v.19) – total dependence. 2. “Whatever the Father does, the Son also does” – total equality. 3. “He has given all judgment to the Son” (v.22) – delegated authority. 4. “That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (v.23) – shared glory. These statements echo Isaiah 42:8: God will not share His glory with another, underlining Jesus’ divine status. Life-Giving Authority and Final Judgment • “Whoever hears My word…has passed from death to life” (v.24). Eternal life begins at belief, not only after death. • Two resurrections appear: a spiritual one “now” (v.25) and a physical one “an hour is coming” (v.28-29). Daniel 12:2 foretells both outcomes. • Jesus judges “because He is the Son of Man” (v.27), recalling Daniel 7:13-14 where the Son of Man receives everlasting dominion. Chain of Witnesses to Jesus 1. John the Baptist (v.33-35): “a burning and shining lamp,” tying back to John 1:7-8. 2. Miraculous works (v.36): Signs like water to wine, nobleman’s son, and Bethesda validate His mission. 3. The Father (v.37-38): At Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17) and transfiguration (Matthew 17:5), the Father spoke. 4. The Scriptures (v.39): Genesis 3:15, Numbers 21:9, Isaiah 53, and Deuteronomy 18:15 all point to Him. Moses, Scriptures, and the Danger of Missing the Point • The leaders search Scripture yet miss its goal—coming to Jesus for life (v.39-40). • Moses’ writings accuse them (v.45). Deuteronomy 18:18 promises a Prophet like Moses; rejecting Jesus is rejecting Moses. • Belief is not mere information; it demands personal trust in the One of whom Moses wrote. Connections Across the Bible • Healing on the Sabbath looks forward to the ultimate Sabbath rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-11). • The pool setting and the call to “get up” parallel Ezekiel 47’s river that brings life wherever it flows. • The final judgment scene ties to Revelation 20:12-15, where books are opened and the dead judged. Archaeological Notes • The Bethesda pools measure roughly 52 x 60 feet each, with central and surrounding porticoes—visible today in St. Anne’s Church complex. • First-century mikva’ot (ritual baths) nearby show the area’s link to purification, making Jesus’ healing a living picture of true cleansing. Practical Takeaways for Today • Jesus sees individuals in crowded places; no infirmity is hidden from Him. • Religious rules can blind us to miracles if we value tradition over people. • Eternal life starts when we trust Jesus now, not merely at death. • Scripture study must move from the page to the Person it reveals. • Honor given to Jesus reflects honor to the Father; neutral ground does not exist. Key Berean Standard Bible Verses “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” (v.8) “My Father is still working, and I too am working.” (v.17) “Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment.” (v.24) “An hour is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out.” (v.28-29) “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.” (v.46) Summary Statement John 5 unveils Jesus as the Merciful Healer, Equal with the Father, Giver of Life, and Final Judge. Accepting His word means rising from death to life; rejecting it invites Moses’ own accusation. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 12:8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. This verse reinforces Jesus' authority over the Sabbath. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. This highlights the power of Scripture, which testifies about Jesus. Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him. This verse underscores Jesus' healing ministry and divine mission. Teaching Points The Healing at BethesdaJesus heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, demonstrating His compassion and power. When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had already been there a long time, He asked him, 'Do you want to get well?' (John 5:6). The Sabbath Controversy Jesus heals on the Sabbath, provoking the Jewish leaders. This act highlights Jesus' authority over religious traditions and His identity as the Son of God. But Jesus answered them, 'My Father is working to this very day, and I too am working.' (John 5:17). Jesus' Authority and Equality with God Jesus claims equality with God, emphasizing His divine authority to give life and execute judgment. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. (John 5:21). The Testimonies about Jesus Jesus points to various witnesses that testify about Him, including John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify about Me. (John 5:39). Practical Applications Seek Healing and WholenessJust as the invalid man sought healing, we are invited to bring our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs to Jesus, trusting in His power to restore. Honor the Sabbath Reflect on how we can honor the Sabbath in our lives, focusing on rest and worship while recognizing Jesus' lordship over all days. Acknowledge Jesus' Authority Embrace Jesus' authority in our lives, submitting to His will and recognizing His power to give life and judge righteously. Study the Scriptures Engage deeply with the Bible, understanding that it points us to Jesus and the eternal life He offers. People 1. JesusThe central figure in John 5, Jesus performs a healing miracle at the Pool of Bethesda and engages in a discourse about His divine authority and relationship with the Father. He is depicted as the Son of God who has the power to give life and execute judgment. 2. The Invalid Man This man had been ill for thirty-eight years and was lying by the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus heals him, telling him to "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk" (John 5:8). The Greek term used for "invalid" (ἀσθενῶν, asthenōn) indicates someone who is weak or sick. 3. The Jews This term refers to the Jewish leaders who confront the healed man and later Jesus, questioning the legality of carrying a mat on the Sabbath and challenging Jesus' authority. In the context of John's Gospel, "the Jews" often refers to the religious authorities who oppose Jesus. 4. The Father God the Father is referenced by Jesus in His discourse, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus speaks of the Father as the one who has given Him authority to judge and to give life. 5. Moses Although not a direct participant in the events of John 5, Moses is mentioned by Jesus in His discourse. Jesus refers to Moses as the one who wrote about Him, indicating that the Jewish leaders' reliance on Moses' writings should lead them to believe in Jesus. Places 1. JerusalemJohn 5:1: "Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem." Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. It is significant as the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. The Greek term used here is "Ἱεροσόλυμα" (Hierosolyma). 2. Sheep Gate John 5:2: "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades." The Sheep Gate is one of the gates in the walls of Jerusalem, traditionally associated with the entry point for sheep being brought for sacrifice. The Greek term is "προβατικῇ" (probatikē). 3. Pool of Bethesda John 5:2: "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades." The Pool of Bethesda is described as having healing properties and is the site where Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. The name "Bethesda" is derived from the Hebrew roots "בית" (beth, meaning "house") and "חסד" (chesed, meaning "mercy" or "grace"). Events 1. Healing at the Pool of BethesdaJesus visits Jerusalem for a feast and encounters a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus asks him, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). The man explains his inability to enter the pool when the water is stirred. Jesus tells him, "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk" (John 5:8). The man is immediately healed and obeys Jesus' command. 2. Controversy Over the Sabbath The healing occurs on the Sabbath, leading to criticism from the Jewish leaders. They say to the healed man, "It is the Sabbath; it is unlawful for you to carry your mat" (John 5:10). The man explains that the one who healed him instructed him to do so. The leaders are more concerned with the Sabbath law than the miracle itself. 3. Jesus Identifies Himself Later, Jesus finds the healed man in the temple and tells him, "See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you" (John 5:14). The man then informs the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who healed him. This revelation intensifies their opposition to Jesus. 4. Jesus' Authority and Relationship with the Father Jesus responds to the Jewish leaders' persecution by explaining His divine authority and relationship with God the Father. He states, "My Father is working until now, and I too am working" (John 5:17). This claim of equality with God further angers the leaders, as it challenges their understanding of God and the Sabbath. 5. Testimonies About Jesus Jesus speaks about the various testimonies that validate His mission and identity. He mentions John the Baptist, His own works, the Father, and the Scriptures as witnesses to His divine authority. Jesus emphasizes that these testimonies are meant to lead people to believe in Him and receive eternal life. 6. Warning Against Unbelief Jesus warns the Jewish leaders about their unbelief, stating, "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me" (John 5:39). He criticizes them for seeking glory from one another rather than seeking the glory that comes from God. Topics 1. The Healing at the Pool of BethesdaIn John 5:1-9, Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. The man was lying by the Pool of Bethesda, where many believed an angel would stir the waters for healing. Jesus asks the man if he wants to be healed and commands him to "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk" (John 5:8). The Greek word for "healed" (ἰάομαι, iaomai) emphasizes the completeness of the healing. 2. Controversy Over the Sabbath John 5:10-18 describes the reaction of the Jewish leaders to the healing, as it was performed on the Sabbath. They challenge the man and later Jesus, accusing Him of breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus responds by asserting His divine authority, saying, "My Father is working until now, and I too am working" (John 5:17). The Greek term for "working" (ἐργάζομαι, ergazomai) indicates continuous action, highlighting the ongoing work of God. 3. Jesus’ Authority and Equality with God In John 5:19-30, Jesus explains His relationship with the Father, emphasizing His authority and equality with God. He states, "For whatever the Father does, the Son also does" (John 5:19). The passage underscores the unity and co-operation between the Father and the Son, with the Greek word for "does" (ποιέω, poieo) indicating the actions of both are in harmony. 4. Testimonies About Jesus John 5:31-47 discusses the various testimonies that validate Jesus' identity and mission. Jesus refers to the testimony of John the Baptist, His own works, the Father, and the Scriptures. He says, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify about Me" (John 5:39). The Greek word for "testify" (μαρτυρέω, martyreo) is used to emphasize the witness given by these sources to Jesus' divine mission. Themes 1. Healing and Compassion of JesusIn John 5:6-9, Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. This act demonstrates Jesus' compassion and divine authority over physical ailments. The Greek word used for "healed" (ἰάομαι, iaomai) emphasizes the completeness of the healing. 2. Sabbath Controversy The healing occurs on the Sabbath, leading to controversy with the Jewish leaders (John 5:10-16). This theme highlights the tension between Jesus' ministry and the Jewish interpretation of the Law. The Greek term for "Sabbath" (σάββατον, sabbaton) is central to understanding the cultural and religious context. 3. Divine Sonship of Jesus Jesus claims a unique relationship with God, referring to God as His Father (John 5:17-18). This assertion of divine sonship is a cornerstone of Christian theology, emphasizing Jesus' equality with God. The Greek word for "Father" (πατήρ, patēr) underscores this intimate relationship. 4. Authority and Judgment Jesus speaks of His authority to judge and give life (John 5:22-27). This theme underscores His divine prerogative and the eschatological role He plays. The Greek word for "judge" (κρίνω, krinō) is significant in understanding Jesus' role in divine justice. 5. Resurrection and Eternal Life Jesus promises resurrection and eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 5:28-29). This theme is central to Christian eschatology, offering hope of life beyond death. The Greek term for "resurrection" (ἀνάστασις, anastasis) is crucial in this context. 6. Witnesses to Jesus' Identity Jesus refers to various witnesses that testify to His identity, including John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures (John 5:31-39). This theme emphasizes the validity and divine endorsement of Jesus' mission. The Greek word for "witness" (μαρτυρία, martyria) is key to understanding the legal and testimonial aspects. 7. Rejection by the Jewish Leaders Despite the evidence, the Jewish leaders reject Jesus (John 5:40-47). This theme highlights the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that can prevent acceptance of divine truth. The Greek term for "believe" (πιστεύω, pisteuō) is central to understanding the nature of faith and unbelief. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:2–9) be historically validated when some scholars question the pool’s existence? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' healing on the Sabbath challenge your understanding of legalistic versus compassionate observance of religious laws? 2. What does Jesus' claim of unity with God mean to you in understanding His divine nature and authority? 3. How do the testimonies about Jesus strengthen your faith? 4. How can Jesus' authority as the giver of life and judge influence your perception of life and justice? 5. What lessons can you learn from the healing of the invalid man? 6. In what ways do Jesus' words about doing what He sees the Father doing shape your understanding of His mission? 7. How does the Jewish leaders' opposition to Jesus' healing on the Sabbath reflect their understanding of God's laws? 8. How do you reconcile Jesus' assertion that all judgment has been given to Him with the concept of God's mercy? 9. How does the concept of "spiritual hearing and seeing" presented in this chapter apply to your faith journey? 10. How can Jesus' advice to the healed man about sinning influence your understanding of sin's consequences? 11. How does the Jewish leaders' refusal to accept Jesus despite the testimonies challenge your approach to faith and evidence? 12. In today's context, how can we discern between rigid religious legalism and compassionate application of spiritual principles? 13. How can Jesus' response to persecution inspire you in times of opposition? 14. How does Jesus' claim of giving life speak to you personally? 15. What does this chapter teach you about Jesus' role as the Son of God? 16. In your daily life, how can you embody Jesus' focus on doing the will of the Father? 17. How can you use the testimonies about Jesus in your personal evangelism? 18. What role does the Bible (Scriptures) play in affirming your belief in Jesus? 19. How does the connection between faith in Jesus and eternal life influence your outlook on mortality and the afterlife? 20. How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate judge impact your understanding of justice and accountability in the world? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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