Waiting Alone in the House of Kindness

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38 years is a long time.

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John 5: 1- 9

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

**note: in chapter 4, it was noted that Jesus had been in Jerusalem for the “feast.”

John 4: 45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

According to chapter 2, he was on his way for Passover at that time, and by chapter 4, this had been accomplished.

From Jerusalem v43, Jesus traveled to Galilee v45 and Cana v46 before he arrived at the pool. The nobleman’s son was healed on the way. Jesus then returned to Jerusalem.

So “after this” meant after Passover, after Jesus had spent some time in Galiee and Cana healing the nobleman’s son.

It was now time for the next feast, so Jesus was returning to Jerusalem.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [market] a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

*** Note: Bethesda in Hebrew is Beit Chesed, or “House of Kindness.”

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

*** Note: the next “season” after Passover is Shavu’ot, or Pentecost.

Stirring the waters is representative of the Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit moved over the disciples in the upper room.

Stirring the waters also represents revival.

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

** Note: 38 years is a long time to wait and want healing.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

** Note: this is a sad commentary.

People brought him there, and dropped him off, and left him.

No one was interested enough in this man’s healing or the move of God in the waters to stay around.

This shows a lack of kindness or compassion for the suffering and needs of others.

It also shows apathy for the presence of God.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

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Application / Point

Many people now are crippled and lame spiritually, but they are eager for healing, and the presence of God.

Many others are in church doing nothing for them, and just sit there waiting for revival to fall out of the sky and entertain them.

They want revival – a stirring of the waters – so they can jump in and enjoy themselves.

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But there is no effort to bring those in need into the house of kindness.

The church cannot be called a house of kindness, unless kindness and mercy are present.

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Kindness is more than “being nice,” or sociable, to others.

Even secular people can be “nice.”

One can be “ nice,” while others suffer and perish.

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Kindness comes true when people forget themselves, and help others.

The spirit of God comes when there is a sincere desire for the presence of God, and kindness and mercy is in the hearts and daily activities of those seeking Him.

Hsa 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Only those who minister chesed ( kindness) in God’s house will see miracles when the spirit moves. Since the Lord is in their hearts, they bring the miracles with them.

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God moves toward man, when man moves toward Him, not just in word, but in action.

Then the waters will stir.