Feeling Stuck: Jesus & The Man at Bethesda

00:00:00 Speaker 1: When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, do you want to be made well? John five six, Gracious Lord, to day we acknowledge your profound question, do you want to get well? It resonates deeply within us, as we often find ourselves entangled in circumstances that, though painful, have become our comfort zone. Our sufferings and struggles can become familiar companions, sometimes making us hesitate to seek the healing you offer. Sometimes we fear the unknown more than the pain we know. We confess O God, that our hearts are weary of being stuck. Yet we are all so fearful stepping into the freedom and wholeness you promise. Teach us to trust in your loving kindness, to embrace the courage to say, yes, Lord, I want to get well. Help us to break free from the chains of complacency and fear. Empower us to rise with faith and to step forward into the life you designed for us, a life abundant in grace, healing, and purpose. In your mercy. Guide us from the familiar shores of suffering into your boundless sea of healing love, in Jesus name. Amen, thank you for praying with me to day. You are listening to the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories retold with dramatic tension and deep reflection. To Day's story is about suffering and feeling stuck in our circumstances. Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered by more people. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible. Baruk lay on his side, eyes drearily peering at the hundreds of other invalids hobbling underneath the colonnades. The Pool of Bethesda was host to a multitude of blind, lame, and paralyzed people hoping for a miracle. Baruk was one of them. He used to lean over the pools daily, eagerly watching for the water to bubble. The legend was that an angel visited the pool each year, and that whoever touched the water first would be healed of their alms. It was a pitiful sight. Every year the water was stirred up and a thrashing of individuals would rush to the pool, desperate for healing. They would jab bite and claw their way to the front. More injuries were caused than healed by the pools, a cruel irony not lost on Baruque. He had bruises on his arms from his last attempt to reach the pool. He often thought about giving up. However, some people were miraculously healed. Those instances kept poor men like Baruque close by, tethered to a shred of hope. Yet year after year, for thirty eight years, Bruk was pushed away, pulled back, or outrun. He no longer rushed the pool with the same vigor and excitement. His beard was matted from lying too long, and his mouth tasted like dust. He hadn't bathed in weeks or gone to the city gates to beg Baruk didn't care. He had just stopped caring years ago, Yet his habit of coming to the pool remained. Each year he watched blind men stumble and lame men trampled. 00:04:35 Speaker 2: They're all fools, and so am I. 00:04:39 Speaker 1: Barok's hopes had been dashed against the colonnades presiding over the pools. All that remained was bitterness. Bitter that no one would help him to the pool, Angry at the other invalids for getting there before him. Enraged at God for forgetting him, he rolled over to his other side and dozed off, content to waste away and a puddle of self biddy. 00:05:13 Speaker 3: We've all heard the question what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? But what if we feel like we're the immovable object faced against the unstoppable force of God's work. The only thing that can hinder God from working in our lives is our own opposition to it. When we humble ourselves to Him and open ourselves up to the work he wants to accomplish, nothing can stop him. This is the Jesus Podcast, a year's story showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth. I'm Zach frompray dot Com. After you listen to today's captivating tale, make sure to take a second to follow the podcast and leave a review. Those two small steps actually make a huge difference. There's a lot of podcasts out there, it's hard to make yourself known. If you support this podcast, we would really appreciate those small gestures. Today's story takes us through another marvelous encounter with Jesus, meeting the needs of an outcast. We'll find a man who has been disabled for a long time. While at one time he might have desperately long to be healed, thirty eight years later, he finds himself a little stuck. Like many people who have struggled with chronic illnesses or any sort of disability, they hold on to hope for healing, but also hold on to a bit of cynicism that healing is never actually going to happen. This man will be stuck and unwilling to do what's necessary to find healing. With no means of getting ahead, he resigns himself to live in his condition forever. His hope has been dashed against the rocks over and over again. We're going to see someone who's defeated, and perhaps today you relate to him. You've experienced defeat in your life. You've sought out for healing, and people have told you that healing's available, but it hasn't quite happened. Your expectations have gotten high, and then you've been disappointed over and over again. This man is soon going to learn the importance of trusting in Christ's offered to heal, in his power to provide it. Let's dive in now. 00:07:18 Speaker 1: The soft glow of harvest season painted Jerusalem and hues of amber and gold. The colonnades above the porches of Bethesda reflected the sun's rays, lighting up the pools below. The soft light danced on the water's surface, creating a spectacle of shimmering reflections. Baruk stared blankly at the shifting lights, stomach aching from hunger. The smell of figcakes wafted in from the marketplace. 00:07:55 Speaker 4: Are you ready to rush the waters, Baruk? 00:07:58 Speaker 1: A voice called out from behind. It was a Meal. He was paralyzed on his right side. He was a terribly annoying man, but Baruk's only friend. Sometimes Baruk wished his injury had also taken away a Meal's speech. 00:08:18 Speaker 4: I have a plan to reach the pool tonight. I'll wade in where the guards are sleeping, and when the sun rises, I'll be healed. 00:08:29 Speaker 2: Sounds like you got it all figured out, a Meal, except for the fact you can't swim and being in the water all night will freeze to death. 00:08:40 Speaker 5: Oh what's your plan? 00:08:41 Speaker 4: Then, don't have one, Baruke. I'm sorry to say it, but it sounds like you don't even want to be healed. 00:08:51 Speaker 1: Baruk stabbed a meal with his eyes. 00:08:53 Speaker 2: You think I like sitting in my own filth and watching the world. 00:08:58 Speaker 6: Move without me. 00:09:00 Speaker 7: You think I'm here because I enjoy the taste of dirt and moths. 00:09:06 Speaker 4: All I'm saying is it seems like you stopped trying. 00:09:09 Speaker 8: It's not as simple as trying a meal. No doctor can help me. My family has abandoned me. My only friend is another invalid who can't carry me to the pool. How exactly am I supposed to try harder? 00:09:30 Speaker 1: Baruk's nostrils flared at the accusation that he wasn't trying. He had tried for nearly forty years. The pools were a cruel joke. Theoretically they could heal him, but in reality he couldn't reach them, and even if he could, there was no guarantee of healing. Yet the hope of a miracle kept him there, like a dog begging for scraps that may never come. Brook sighed and rolled his neck back. 00:10:02 Speaker 2: Ah, I feel like a fool for being here, But where else can I go? 00:10:11 Speaker 4: When I am healed and make hundreds of talents. 00:10:14 Speaker 5: I shall care for you, my friend. 00:10:17 Speaker 1: Emil's words rarely brought comfort to Barak. His voice was like a constant drip that wouldn't cease, but having somebody to talk to was better than nobody. Emial limped away, preparing for another failed attempt at the pools. Baroque admired Emil when away. Every year, despite his failures, he tried harder, although his plans were often half brained. There was a glint in his eyes that Baruk wished he still had. But thirty eight years of sitting near that pool and eroded his hope. If it weren't for the pools cruel tricks, baroqu would have moved on and created a better life for himself. He would have lived closer to relatives and begged where he knew sympathetic hearts would welcome him. But the pools kept him there. Even though he knew the chances were next to none, he remained there each year. His hope was shattered, but he came back anyway. He was stuck, and he questioned whether Emil's questions were warranted. Did he genuinely want to be healed? Just then, a stirring in the water could be heard only a few yards away. Baroque lifted his head and leaned over. The crystal blue water was bubbling with life. To him and the others, it was a siren song. Baroqu didn't freeze or hesitate. As cynical as he was, he couldn't help but move. He launched forward, tumbling down a few stairs and clawing to the pools. His arms dragged his whole body along, quivering with each motion. Baroq looked around. He was ahead of everyone. 00:12:29 Speaker 5: This is it, This is finally it. 00:12:33 Speaker 7: Oh God, I'm going to be healed after thirty eight years. 00:12:39 Speaker 4: I'm gon. 00:12:41 Speaker 1: Baroque had only a few feet left, but striding behind him was a tall man running with a woman in his arms. He jumped over Baraque, kicking him in the back of the head. The man reached the pool before Baraqu and lowered the woman into the pool. Baraq didn't have a chance to see if it worked. A swarm of people hobbled, crawled, and jumped around him. Baraq felt like a fool for having a hope. He worked against the crowd, slowly inching up the steps and back to his mat. 00:13:20 Speaker 6: I swear if the water stirs again, I'm not going blasted pools. 00:13:26 Speaker 5: They don't even. 00:13:27 Speaker 7: Work, And how is anyone supposed to get in without someone to help? 00:13:33 Speaker 1: Ridiculous. Baraq was fuming. He hated himself for hoping. Jesus passed through the Great Sheep Gate into Jerusalem. The orange glow of the afternoon sun painted the streets in splendor. Jesus weaved in and now to the bustling streets, content to remain anonymous amidst the sea of faces. The city was alive with activity from the festival, the sound of laughter and tambourines intermixed with the smell of freshly baked cakes. He arrived at the pools of Bethesda. A large row of colonnades held up an immaculate roof. The pools were crystal blue, reflecting the light of the late afternoon sun. Yet the beauty of the pools was contrasted by the gloomy faces of individuals. Many of them were wet from jumping into the pools. They limped back to their beds, leaving a trail of water and shattered dreams behind them. Jesus walked up and down a few of the platforms, overlooking the pools. He was searching for someone. He stepped up to a porch where a man lay on the ground, staring blankly at the pool. His beard was matted from lying down to long, and his eyes were red from exhaustion and tears. Shalom, Jesus greeted him with a warm grin. The man didn't answer or look up. 00:15:20 Speaker 5: Shalom, friend. 00:15:22 Speaker 1: Jesus knelt down and met his gaze. The man propped himself up and leaned his head against one of the pillars. 00:15:30 Speaker 5: Oh. 00:15:31 Speaker 1: The man's eyes were impassive, barely acknowledging jesus presence. 00:15:35 Speaker 5: You've been here a long time, haven't you. 00:15:38 Speaker 1: Baroque still didn't look up. He shrugged and continued to stare blankly in front of him. Jesus tilted his head to be in Baroque's line of sight and. 00:15:48 Speaker 5: Asked, do you want to be healed? 00:15:51 Speaker 1: That got his attention. Baroqu's upper lip raised in a snarl, his brow furled, and his jaw shook. 00:16:00 Speaker 5: Who I want to eave? 00:16:02 Speaker 1: Barack propped himself up more to raise his voice. Uh, I don't know who you are. 00:16:09 Speaker 6: You certainly don't know me, or else you wouldn't have asked that stupid question. I have nobody, no family, no friends, nobody to carry me to the pool. I have to claw my way through the crowd, and when I do, I'm trampled, shoved aside, or hopped over like a dog. There's always someone else to get to the pool before me. 00:16:33 Speaker 1: Barack didn't answer Jesus question. Jesus didn't ask about the pools at all. Baraq didn't say whether he wanted to be healed or not, because if he was being honest with himself, he wasn't sure. He was stuck in a cycle of victimhood, bitterness, and false hope. Baraq waited by the pool daily, but rarely dreamed about what he would do if he received healing. Emil had lofty dreams of what he would do if he got better, but not Baraque, who was he without his condition. Baraque was spiraling in his thoughts, but jesus words interrupted him. 00:17:22 Speaker 5: Get up, what, Get up? Take your bed and walk. 00:17:28 Speaker 1: Just as Baraq was about to yell a of fence, he felt a prickling on his toe. He looked at his feet. The burlap covering on his foot was itchy and uncomfortable. He could feel his feet. Baroqu bent his knees lightly, then looked up at Jesus. He gave a reassuring nod and gestured for Barak to stand. His entire body shook with excitement as he leaped to his feet. 00:18:07 Speaker 7: My feet, my legs, my god. 00:18:16 Speaker 1: Baraque spun around on his toes and stomped the ground with his heels. He picked up his bed as Jesus commanded, but when he looked up to thank Jesus, he was gone. Jesus disappeared into the crowd. Baraq took his bed and skipped along through the marketplace. He twirled, clicking his heels and hopping on any stone or step he could find. He was like a child playing with a new toy. Baraq's playful spins were interrupted by two Pharisees walking by. 00:18:51 Speaker 6: It. 00:18:51 Speaker 8: Sammeoth, show some respect. It isn't lawful for you to carry something that heavy on the holy day of rest. 00:19:00 Speaker 1: The pharisee stopped for a moment and tilted their heads to the side. The man looked familiar, but they barely recognized him since he was on his feet and not lying on the ground. Baroq didn't care about their venomous rebuke. He smiled from ear to ear, trying to contain his laughter. When he spoke. 00:19:22 Speaker 7: I'm sorry, but I must obey the man who healed me. He told me to pick up my bed and walk, so here I am. 00:19:30 Speaker 1: Baroq hopped in place and kicked his heels again. This time a childish giggle came out of him. 00:19:37 Speaker 8: Forgive me, but I must obey the man of God. 00:19:41 Speaker 1: Baroq began walking away, but the Pharisee stopped him and asked. 00:19:46 Speaker 8: What kind of man of God would ask you to pick up your bed on the Sabbath? The kind who could heal me after I was paralyzed for thirty eight years. I did not know his name, but when I do, I shall tell you who he is, so you can worship him as well. Shabasalam. 00:20:04 Speaker 1: Barak walked away with his head held high and the bed still secure under his arm. No one would rob him of his joy. He rounded the marketplace corner and walked the steps to the temple mount. The Pharisees followed him skeptically. They didn't want to accept that a man could be healed without their knowledge and be defiant against the law of Moses. Sitting on the steps outside the temple was none other than the healer himself. Barak dropped his bed and ran to Jesus. 00:20:41 Speaker 8: It's you. 00:20:44 Speaker 4: Yes, you're well. Now you must go and sin no more. You will discover there are worse things than losing your legs. 00:20:52 Speaker 1: Jesus patted the man on the shoulder and sent him on his way. Baraq climbed the rest of the stairs to the temple. The Pharisees who questioned him were there waiting. 00:21:04 Speaker 8: Don't you dare bring your bed in here? Drop it before you into the temple and repent for what you've done. If you have a problem with me carrying my bed, you can speak to that man over there. 00:21:14 Speaker 1: Barak pointed back to Jesus and waved. Jesus waved back with a grin. 00:21:20 Speaker 8: He's the one who healed me. 00:21:22 Speaker 1: Baraq, once again, ignoring the pharisees demands to drop his bed, entered the temple with a skip in his step. The Pharisees knew about Jesus. This was not the first time he had broken their customs. The Pharisees stormed down the steps, raising their voices at Jesus. 00:21:42 Speaker 8: You healed this man on the sabbath, and you commanded him to carry his bed. 00:21:47 Speaker 4: Well, the bed is his only possession. You can't expect him to go anywhere without it. 00:21:53 Speaker 8: Right, you worked on the Sabbath and then commanded this man to work. What kind of rabb Why are you? 00:22:01 Speaker 4: My father is working and will continue to work. I am also working with him now, if you'll excuse. 00:22:08 Speaker 1: Me, Jesus walked between the Pharisees and summited the Temple mount to worship. His good work wouldn't be deterred by the religious system of the time. The Sabbath wasn't just a day to cease from work. The Sabbath was a sign, a shadow of things to come. Jesus was Lord of the Sabbath. 00:22:42 Speaker 3: I'm sure we can all think of an area in our life where we want to be healed. Whether it's a physical affliction, emotional scars, or perhaps a mental condition. Ailments only seem to slow us down in life. While most people would gladly receive healing in these struggles, some people may say they want healing, but when it comes down to it, they actually don't want it. This isn't to say that they wouldn't take it if it was offered to them, but sometimes the fear of the unknown actually can hinder us from taking the first steps towards actual change, and sometimes fear that things won't actually change can prevent us from even trying in the first place. The man at the Pool of Bethesda was one such person. For thirty eight years, he was cast down and cast out by others. For decades, he had wondered if there was any way to change his circumstances. Day after day, he longed to be well. He longed to use his body as God had intended it, But day after day the thought of it actually happening straight from his mind and his heart. He had remained in the Pool of Bethesda because it represented a sliver of hope, but it had become somewhat comfortable. This represents the lifestyles many of us actually fall into or remain comfortable in, instead of seeking actual healing in Jesus. In the midst of dear Jesus seeks this man out. Finding the man in the same place he laid every single day, Jesus asked the question do you want to be made well? On the surface, it's a simple yes or no question, one that seems to have an obvious response for someone who had been stricken with paralysis his entire life, But it's not as simple as yes or no. The man doesn't respond with either expected response. Instead, he jumps into. 00:24:26 Speaker 1: A list of excuses. 00:24:28 Speaker 3: Perhaps the question met his ears with a bitter sting, causing him to jump into what he rehearsed day after day, all the reasons he couldn't be healed, whether he wanted to be or not, With others likely asking him the same question over the years, especially by a place like the Pool of Bethesda, another inquiry from a stranger seemed to be the final straw. He snapped, there's people in my life who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. I myself also struggle with a chronic illness, and the question do you want to be healed? On the surface can actually seem like an insensitive one. Of course, you want to be healed. Of course, people who struggle with illness and people who struggle with disabilities would prefer not to have it in their lives. However, the question can seem trite coming from somebody, or the question is usually preceded by a list of all these different things and methods and lifestyles and diets that people want to tell you will actually work. But the truth is, if someone has struggled for this many years. They've probably tried everything, and so you asking the question do you want to be healed? Can come across as insensitive because it's assuming that they haven't already tried everything. However, this is no ordinary man asking this question. This is Jesus, the renowned and profound healer, the Messiah, the one who had crafted this man's body in the first place, the one who knew this man before he was even born, the one who came to make all things new. When Jesus asked the question of whether or not he wants to be healed, we can eliminate any excuses we've tucked away in our back pockets. All we have to do is think deeply an answer yes or no. This man gave a lot of excuses as to why he hadn't been healed yet. But when Jesus asked us this question, do you want to change? Do you want to be better? Do you want to get up and walk again? Do you want to pick yourself up and live a life of purpose? The answer to the question needs to be yes or no, not a litany of excuses as to why we've been beaten down or why we're not where we want to be. All we have to do is think deeply about the answer yes or no, And although the answer might seem obvious a resounding yes, we have to do some inventory of our hearts. Sometimes Jesus asks us if we want to change. Sometimes Jesus asks us if we want to be set free from a specific sin or addiction, And although we might say yes in our hearts, we actually feel no because our sin is comfortable. We're used to our lifestyle and the thought of changing might scare us. But excuses have never gotten us anywhere. All they do is postpone finding healing and resolution to our problems. They're but a meager and weak attempt to protect ourselves from more pain caused by disappointment. If healing doesn't actually come, we can bat our excuses by trusting in the authority of the power of Jesus. Once we honestly answer the question if we want to be healed, we must understand and appreciate the one who is asking us if we want to be healed. Jesus created everything and holds all things in his hand. There is nothing outside of his authority, and his power reigns over all. This means that Jesus not only has the heart to see the healed, but he also has the ability to provide what he promises. Perhaps we've been let down by others offered to help us in our affliction. While there are good intentions behind it, their effort didn't seem to measure up to our expectations. But God will never fail us when he comes with healing. Christ's ministry is filled with signs and wonders that affirm his claim to be an all powerful, and ever loving son of God. He has given us these miracles as a means to help us trust in him. Proverbs three five through six reads this, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways. Submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. We may not fully comprehend how God provides healing in our lives, but that's not what He requires for us to receive it. The road to restoration begins by trusting in Him, whether we see what's ahead or not. But trust is only the beginning. Jesus meets us where we're at, stuck in our afflictions, and while he holds all the power to get us out of that place, he does call us to take a step of faith. He does call us to rise, pick up our beds, and walk. We get to be active participants in his miracles. We get to be active participants in the change that he wants to ignite in our lives. We get to be active participants and partners in the restoration and the freedom that we experience from addiction and from depravity and from bad habits. Think about our story today. As Jesus looks upon the man in the pool of Bethesda, he has already provided healing when he commands him to get up. But the man will only truly experience the blessing of being healed if he actually takes a step forward. If we're not willing to take the first step of following Jesus, we'll never see where he's wanting to lead us. When we obey Jesus, he proves his might. When we obey Jesus, he proves himself to be exactly who he says he is. If you're waiting for all of the proof before you follow Jesus, you've got it backwards. Oftentimes, when Jesus calls people, he says, follow me, and then they get to discover all of his wonders. It's not the other way around. Jesus often decries people who actually ask for signs before they have faith in him. Jesus says, have faith in me, take a step, and you will experience wonderful things. What an amazing moment when we see he has done everything he has promised to do. And how even more incredible it is when we get to tell others about it. Just like Baruk, we get to walk in the joy of the Lord and allow that joy to overflow onto other people. We get to walk with our testimony of healing and restoration and redemption. We get to joyfully tell others what Jesus has done in our lives. God deserves our praise and he deserves us walking with confidence telling others what He's done to us and for us. David writes a revelation song and praise in Psalm one O three. He says, Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise his Holy name. Praise the Lord my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things, so that your mouth is renewed like the eagles. Don't be afraid to tell others that you've been healed by God. While some may be skeptical or even judgmental of your claim, we know what's true, and God can use us to draw others to His healing, touch and restoration. The moments we feel stuck in life may seem insurmountable to us, or perhaps we like being stuck. Perhaps we still feel comfortable in our sins and our bad habits, or even our ailments. And even though Jesus offers us healing, we're reluctant to accept it because change can be scary. But let me encourage you, my friends. The change that Jesus offers, even though it might be uncomfortable and unconventional at times, is worth taking that step of faith. Even when we're stuck, God is going to work. Do you want to be made well? Deeply reflect on that in your heart to day, respect his offer to bring us to healing and restoration, Trust in His power and authority, and joyfully proclaim the name of Jesus, the Ultimate Healer and the Oldtimate Redeemer. Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Jesus Podcast. I've been so blessed you have given us your time and attention and your heart. As you go through this podcast, you know what to do. Rate review, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with a friend. And if you're curious about more daily devotionals, prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime, download the Prey dot com app today