Session 15
The Lame Man By The Pool
From Journey To Change
In John 5, Jesus goes to pools believed to have healing powers. If someone got into the pool at the right time any illness he had would be healed. As Jesus approached these miraculous pools, He saw a lame man who had been lying by the pools for a long time. Jesus boldly walked up to the man and asked if he wanted to be healed.
“‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me’” (John 5:7). Jesus’ response? He rescues the lame man from a hopeless situation and heals him on the spot!
When the lame man was healed, his circumstances changed. But believing in Jesus is what changes a man’s heart. A little while later, Jesus finds the formerly lame man at the temple and warns him, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you” (John 5:14).
The reason for healing is not to change our circumstances; God wants to change our hearts. God rescues us from seemingly hopeless situations all the time, but believing in Jesus is the only way to change our hearts.
Reflect:
- What has God healed you from? What has God forgiven you of?
- God changes our circumstances in order to change our hearts. How has your heart changed as a result of what God’s done in your life?
- What seemingly hopeless situations are you facing today? God wants to rescue you. Will you accept His help?