Scriptural Reference:
The healing of the impotent man is recorded in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 5:1-15. This miracle takes place at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.

Context and Setting:
The Pool of Bethesda, located near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, was a site where many disabled individuals gathered, hoping for healing. According to tradition, an angel would occasionally stir the waters, and the first person to enter the pool afterward would be healed of their ailments. This setting underscores the desperation and hope of those who were afflicted, as they awaited a chance for healing.

The Miracle:
Jesus encounters a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Observing the man's condition and learning of his long-term affliction, Jesus asks him, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). The man explains his predicament, stating that he has no one to help him into the pool when the water is stirred, and others always go down ahead of him.

In response, Jesus commands him, "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk" (John 5:8). Immediately, the man is healed; he picks up his mat and begins to walk. This miraculous healing occurs on the Sabbath, which later becomes a point of contention with the Jewish leaders.

Theological Significance:
This miracle highlights several key theological themes:

1. Divine Authority: Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over physical ailments and the natural order. By healing the man with just a command, Jesus reveals His power and identity as the Son of God.

2. Compassion and Mercy: The healing reflects Jesus' compassion for the suffering and marginalized. Despite the man's inability to reach the pool, Jesus reaches out to him, offering healing and restoration.

3. Sabbath Controversy: The miracle sparks controversy among the Jewish leaders because it occurs on the Sabbath. Jesus' actions challenge the prevailing interpretations of the Sabbath law, emphasizing the importance of mercy and the fulfillment of God's purposes over strict legalism.

4. Faith and Obedience: The healed man's response to Jesus' command demonstrates an element of faith and obedience. Despite his long-term condition and the improbability of healing, he responds to Jesus' directive, resulting in his restoration.

Reaction and Aftermath:
Following the miracle, the Jewish leaders confront the healed man for carrying his mat on the Sabbath, which they consider a violation of the law. The man explains that the one who healed him instructed him to do so. When questioned about the healer's identity, the man initially does not know, as Jesus had slipped away into the crowd.

Later, Jesus finds the man in the temple and advises him, "See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you" (John 5:14). This encounter suggests a link between spiritual and physical well-being, urging the man to pursue a life aligned with God's will.

The man then informs the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who healed him, further intensifying their opposition to Jesus. This miracle, therefore, not only serves as a testament to Jesus' divine power but also sets the stage for the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities.John 5:5-9
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The History of a Year.
... the time of the healing of the impotent man at the ... a whole year of the ministry of
Christ, that between ... of a fever; and then followed many miracles of which ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the history of a year.htm

John Chapter vi. 14-Jan
... Let us interrogate the miracles themselves, what they tell ... veil of the temple rent,
while Christ is hanging ... He, however, there cured the impotent man, who here ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxiv john chapter vi.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... on the account which he had heard of the character and miracles of Christ, and of ...
sake of the inhabitants of Lystra, as well as of the impotent man; and for ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm

At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda.
... How could Christ have taught that multitude, nay, all ... we learn here also another
aspect of miracles, as necessary ... not Him Who had made whole the impotent man. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii at the unknown.htm

John v. 6, 7
... The impotent man answered Him, Yea, Sir, but I have ... And therefore Matthew doth not
introduce Christ as having ... this at the beginning of His miracles, but when ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvii john v 6.htm

The Third Miracle in John's Gospel
... This third of the miracles recorded in John's Gospel ... hand was restored whole as the
other.' Christ gives power to keep His commandments to the impotent who try ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the third miracle in johns.htm

Sabbath Cure at Bethesda.
... John habitually considered the miracles of Jesus as "signs ... We cannot say to what
extent the impotent man would feel ... his cordial reliance on the word of Christ. ...
/.../xii sabbath cure at bethesda.htm

At the Temple Gate
... the accused how the cure of the impotent man had been ... Christ's crowning miracle"the
raising of Lazarus"had sealed ... a stop to the working of miracles in His ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

The Sixth Miracle in John's Gospel --The Blind Made to See, and ...
... The variety of method in our Lord's miracles serves important ... sought for in every
land, is Christ Himself ... wash.' As He said to the impotent man: 'Stretch forth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the sixth miracle in johns.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the ...
... as used by Him when He healed the impotent man at the ... manner could the object alike
of miracles and of ... to the highest of all questions concerning the Christ. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi the return to.htm

What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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