10/31/21
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
Jesus with His disciples made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival. Jesus obeyed the Laws of God found in the Torah (Deuteronomy 16:16,17). Jesus visited the pool of Bethesda which was by the sheep. Why?
Jerusalem means City of Peace. Bethesda means House of His grace, mercy, and loving kindness.
Jesus encountered a multitude of diseased people at Bethesda. The people were sick, blind, and lame.
Jesus engaged a certain man who had been ill for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw this man in his helpless state – his deepest time of need.
Jesus asked the man the most important life question –
1. Do you want to be physically healed?
2. Do you want to be spiritually healed?
3. Do you want to supernaturally live for God?
The man responded with little faith. He saw his situation through his own eyes and not the eyes of God.
Jesus said to him, “Get up; pick up your pallet and walk.”
1. Immediately the man was healed.
2. Immediately the man recovered his strength, and
3. Immediately picked up his pallet and walked.
The man was persecuted by the religious rulers for following the command of Jesus.
Jesus found the man in the temple (the place of worship), and spoke with him. Jesus commanded him to stop sinning, (live a life of holiness). The reported to the Jews what Jesus said.
The Jews became more determined than ever to kill Him. From their viewpoint, He broke the Sabbath and He called God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
Jesus warned the Jews, “anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who has sent Him.”
